Volvo and Putzmeister recently unveiled a groundbreaking all-electric concrete pump truck at the bauma equipment expo in Munich, Germany. This impressive machine is based on the capable Volvo FM Electric 8×4 chassis and offers zero-emission operation, allowing it to travel up to 50 km and pump around 50 cubic meters of concrete on a single charge.
While the numbers may not immediately impress, a closer look reveals the true power of this electric pump truck. With each cubic yard of concrete weighing over 4,000 lbs, the machine can effortlessly move over 130 tons of construction material nearly 140 feet into the air without the use of diesel or gas. This not only showcases the efficiency of electric vehicles but also highlights their potential in heavy-duty applications.
Christoph Fitz, Head of Sales at Volvo Trucks in Germany, expressed pride in the innovation behind the electric pump truck. He emphasized the benefits of zero-exhaust emissions, low-noise operation, and the efficient work-while-charging capacity that this vehicle offers to customers in the construction industry.
The Volvo FM Electric-based concrete pump is equipped with two electric motors generating a continuous 330 kW (442 hp) output through Volvo’s proprietary I-Shift gearbox. Its four battery packs provide a total capacity of 360 kWh, enabling the truck to DC fast charge at speeds up to 250 kW or operate continuously using grid power or PU500 remote power connection.
Despite concerns about the truck’s range, it is more than sufficient for urban operations and large job sites. The ability to connect to grid power and operate 24/7 further enhances its practicality and sustainability. This electric pump truck, along with other innovative electric vehicles like the 100-ton Tadano mobile electric crane, represents a significant step towards a cleaner, quieter, and safer future in the construction industry.
Overall, the collaboration between Volvo and Putzmeister has resulted in a groundbreaking electric vehicle that combines power, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This electric pump truck sets a new standard for heavy-duty applications in the construction sector and showcases the potential of electric technology in revolutionizing traditional industries.
