Yolo County, California is making strides towards environmental stewardship by aiming for full carbon neutrality by 2030. One way they are achieving this goal is by incorporating zero-emission machinery like the Volvo DD25 Electric compactor into their fleet.
The Volvo DD25 Electric was showcased at Volvo Days last summer, where its vibrating drums impressed dealers and end users. It comes as no surprise that Yolo County fleet superintendent, Ben Lee, chose this compactor for its many benefits.
Lee explains, “The DD25 Electric will help us achieve our goals by reducing emissions, lowering noise levels, being more energy-efficient, improving working conditions, and promoting environmentally friendly practices.” The compactor will be used for various projects including compacting soil, gravel, and other base materials for road and foundation projects, as well as rolling out and leveling asphalt during road construction and resurfacing.
One of the key features of the DD25 Electric is its adjustable drum frequency, which can be set from 3500 vpm (55 Hz) to 4000 vpm (67 Hz) to cater to different applications and materials. Additionally, the compactor is equipped with a 20 kWh 48V battery that provides between six and eight hours of continuous operation. This means it can handle multiple shifts before requiring overnight AC charging, typically only two or three times a week.
To address the issue of charging in remote areas, Yolo County is considering a mobile, self-contained charging unit like the Volvo PU130 mobile battery. This would eliminate the need to bring the compactor back to the yard each night during long-term projects.
Yolo County sees electric equipment as a crucial step in reducing emissions and energy consumption, especially as communities strive towards stricter regulations and sustainability goals.
In light of the devastating wildfires in Southern California, it is evident that climate change driven by combustion and carbon emissions is a pressing issue. The incorporation of zero-emission machinery like the Volvo DD25 Electric compactor is a proactive step towards mitigating these environmental challenges.
For more information and images, visit Volvo CE’s website.