LA Rail Project Testing Electric Excavator

The battery-powered excavator could replace diesel-powered machinery to reduce construction emissions and noise.

1 minute read

October 1, 2023, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Yellow electric excavator digging at construction site in Los Angeles, California.

The Volvo EC230 at a construction site in Los Angeles, California. | Skanska USA / Electric excavator

A Los Angeles rail project has begun using a zero-emissions excavator for work, according to a press release from the construction firm Skanska. “Participating in this pilot allows us to continue to be a part of the transition to low-carbon, zero-emission construction. Doing so on a large-scale project like the Purple (D Line) Extension Transit Project will provide a unique insight to inform sustainable innovation moving forward.”

“Because it is powered by batteries, not an engine, using the Volvo EC230 will lower emissions on the job site and reduce noise during construction.” The excavator replaces diesel-powered equipment for a 90-day pilot program that will test the success of an electric excavator on a large-scale project. Skanska is already using the excavator on projects in Europe and China.

Thursday, September 14, 2023 in Skanska

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