More construction equipment OEMs are introducing electric versions of their industrial vehicle portfolio as part of a commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions in the construction industry.
Wheel loaders, for example, are designed to offer the same performance as their diesel counterparts while providing zero exhaust emissions, significantly lower noise levels and benefits not initially considered such as lower vibration levels. These machines are becoming and increasing part of an OEMs growing electric machine lineup, and they aim to meet the increasing demand for more sustainable construction equipment.
Key features of electric industrial vehicles include:
Curtiss-Wright Industrial is at the forefront of vehicle electrification, developing solutions like power distribution modules (PDMs) or high voltage junction boxes and DC charging units. These customized solutions safely and efficiently enable electrification of on- and off-highway vehicles while maintaining battery life.
The combination of Curtiss-Wright's PDM and a vehicle's ECU ensures safe connection/disconnection of electric vehicle supply equipment to/from electric propulsion systems. These system-level solutions offer reliable circuit protection for both vehicle occupants and electrical components.
With over 20 years of experience partnering with OEMs, Curtiss-Wright's customized solutions continue to deliver world-leading EV and hybrid vehicle performance. This expertise is invaluable as many OEMs aim to make vehicles 100% fossil-free within the next two decades.
The introduction of more electric industrial vehicles demonstrates an OEMs commitment to electrification in the construction equipment sector. These machines offer construction companies and operators the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining productivity and performance standards.
It's worth noting that the adoption of electric construction equipment can help companies meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations and potentially qualify for government/state incentives related to sustainable practices in construction.
As the construction industry continues to evolve towards more sustainable practices, electric industrial vehicles are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of construction equipment.