Get the dirt on electric heavy-duty equipment
Electric off-road machines, such as loaders and excavators, are starting to replace diesel ones. Businesses benefit from the lower operating costs and emissions of these vehicles. Drivers enjoy the smooth, quiet, and powerful performance.
When making the move to electric off-road vehicles, it’s important to consider upfront costs, battery life, and charging practicalities.
When you take the risk to move to new technology, you want to know it’s going to perform. Fair to say, it’s delivered better than expected.
Why go electric for off-road machines
- Lower operating costs — Without the need to replace engine oil and filters, or service a combustion engine, electric machines need less maintenance than their diesel equivalents. Some businesses report savings up to 80%.*
- Powerful performance — High torque and fast response of electric motors improves speed and precision, meaning drivers get more done during their shifts.
- Smooth and efficient — Drivers like how smooth electric machines are to operate compared to diesel. With greater comfort and responsiveness, they feel less fatigued by the end of the day.
- Clean and quiet — Electric machines are quieter and have no diesel fumes, making worksites safer and more comfortable for everyone. In some cities around the world, contractors are even required to use electric equipment to cut down on noise and air pollution for residents.
*EECA, 2024
Case studies: Electric machines are proving popular in trials
Machine operators and business leaders at New Zealand companies Fulton Hogan, Reliance Transport, and Leach & Co. talk about their experience using electric off-road vehicles.
What to consider before you buy
- Capital costs — Upfront costs of electric equipment can be 2–3 times more than a diesel equivalent, depending on the vehicle. Consider the total cost over the lifetime of ownership including fuel and maintenance costs when making an investment decision.
- Battery capacity — While some electric off-road vehicles can complete an 8+-hour shift on a full charge, some sit around the 5-hour mark. This means top ups may be required during the day to complete a full shift.
- Charging facilities — Charging capacity could be limited by your site’s electrical supply, so it’s important to have this assessed before purchasing an electric machine. If you will need to charge off-site, you can look at mobile charging solutions like charging trailers.
- Wait times for stock — Because New Zealand is a small market it can be important to check supply timings with international manufacturers to ensure you’re not waiting longer than is reasonable.
Opportunities, challenges, and costs of electric off-road equipment
With lower running costs, zero emissions, and quiet operation, it’s clear why demand exists for electrified equipment. However, similar to the early days of electric cars, there are concerns about charging infrastructure, reliability and cost.
EECA (the site that backs Gen Less) and MartinJenkins researched electric construction equipment and compared the lifetime costs to their diesel counterparts.
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