Ahead of the return of ConEXPO later this March, Volvo decided to take the reigns in their own hands, and set the narrative for their new slate of products. Leading things off, Stephen Roy, President Volvo Construction Equipment Sales Region Americas, said, "Volvo sees the huge changes effecting the industry and the world, and wants to take the lead on transforming the industry. Be sustainable, and be productive."
The theme for their ConEXPO campaign, and their current messaging is "Change starts here, be ready for it." The overall tone of their one-hour presentation was being future-minded. There were many references to not only the need to be sustainable and environmentally conscious, but that the customers that use their equipment must have their power and efficiency needs met.
Their solution is that of a multi-pronged approach. President of Volvo Construction Equipment, Melker Jernberg, calling in from Sweden, said, "The main focus is electrification, but, also hydrogen fuel cells, as well as, modifying traditional combustion vehicles to make them more sustainable than ever."
The company seems confident that the demand in the North American region is strong, and will continue to grow along with the expanding government regulations and incentives, and wants to position itself as a leader in the field. In addition to the hardware offerings they promoted, it was made clear that to get the totality of value out of their offerings, the utilization of their suite of software, telematics solutions, and other back-end services would be the best route. All of which will be on demonstration at their ConEXPO booth F8926, outside the festival grounds.
Zero Emissions Asphalt Compactor
One of the highlights of the event was the reveal and walkaround video of the new Volvo DD25 fully electric asphalt paver. John Rouse took time to point out the updated features and specs over the previous DD25B model:
- Bright LED headlights for increased visibility
- Full color display
- Easy accessible AC charging port
- Rapid DC charging port
- 24 Kilowatt/pwr battery
The sleek design boasts a reduction in noise pollution and vibration, high altitude operability, and an overall lower total cost of maintenance according to VP of Product Management and Productivity Ray Gallant. "Volvo's goal is to have fossil fuel free options on the market for every level of construction machinery."
Special attention was paid to show the two separate electric charging options on the DD25, and the charging time. Utilizing the rapid DC charging port can result in a fully charged battery in just one hour, and provide a "full typical work day" worth of operating time/life.
Gallant noted that there are certainly challenges when it comes to providing charging in remote locations, or other difficult off-grid circumstances. Volvo responded to some audience questions in that regard that they are working in close partnership with some, currently unnamed, third parties to launch viable on-site electric generation.
In fact, there was a noticeable, if subtle, shift in the language the presenters used when talking about their electric vehicles. Rather than strictly talking about "charging", even though it was mentioned, they mostly referred to it as "refueling". It makes a certain amount of sense, because, at its core, it is just refueling a construction vehicle albeit using a different type of "fuel".
So much of the discussion around EVs revolves around the charging, but altering the discussion in this way could prove effective in reframing the discussion itself, and slowly shift the public perception surrounding it. Every contractor using traditionally fueled vehicles has to have a plan in place for refueling them. This is no different. It just requires planning in slightly new ways.
At ConEXPO Volvo's booth will feature a wide variety of their products that can be tested on-site, and are planning to unveil one new product they didn't release any details about during the online event. That reveal is scheduled for Tuesday, March 14th at 10am, and is exclusive to the show, though ForConstructionPros will be present to cover it for anyone not able to attend in person.
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