Electric Worksite begins testing electric construction machines in Gothenburg

The tests with the emission-free and quieter work machines mark the first step of testing within Electric Worksite, where several heavy players are taking concrete steps to electrify construction sites. With a focus on, among other things, building and construction projects and street maintenance, tests are being carried out on how electric work machines can work in real environments in Gothenburg and what effects they bring to local residents, electricity networks and the environment.

During the tests in Färjenäsparken, several project partners gathered to take a common starting point in what will be a pioneering project for tests of this kind in urban environments.

"The City of Gothenburg, in close collaboration with the industry, wants to push for the electrification of construction and maintenance machines, not least those used in our own contracts. It is an important piece of the puzzle to achieve our goals of healthy living environments and reduced climate footprint", says Peter Lindgren, business developer of electrified transport at the traffic office.

Volvo Construction Equipment and NCC are a couple of the involved actors and they see several benefits of getting involved in the project:

"In this project, we will not only test our electric machines but together with our partners explore a completely electrical ecosystem. We face a common challenge in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and through electric worksite we can understand and design complete solutions that also help our customers in their conversion", says Carolina Diez Ferrer, Head of Advanced Engineering Programs at Volvo CE.

"Compared to today's fossil-powered work vehicles/machines, NCC sees a potential in electrified machines being able to contribute to a significant reduction in local emissions of, among other things, carbon dioxide and particles, but also reduced noise levels. In this way, we get an improved working environment for the drivers of the vehicles as well as for other construction workers and surrounding residents. The project will give us valuable experience in our continued sustainability work", says Svante Wijk, Sustainability Strategist at NCC Sverige AB.

Different types of work machines account for about one sixth of the transport sector's total greenhouse gas emissions in Sweden. And work machines used in the industrial and construction sector (incl. Road works) account for a significant part. Emissions from these machines have increased by 40 percent since 1990.

The construction sector in Sweden has agreed on a joint roadmap with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2045.