Caterpillar’s all-electric excavator designed to support Norway’s push for zero emissions on its constructions sites relies on drivetrain technology supplied by Danfoss.
A Cat 323F Z-line 25-ton machine has been converted into a fully, battery operated version by Pon Equipment– the official Caterpillar dealer to the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
Danfoss Editron, a subsidiary of Danfoss Power Solutions, provided its powertrain system, designed for hybrid and electric off-highway applications within the power range of 30kW and 2,000kW.
“The Cat 323F Z-line is a clean, green, innovative machine, enabled by Danfoss’s powerful drivetrain, which is a software-led system,” said Tomi Ristimäki, OEM sales director at Danfoss Editron.
“Our strong relationship with Pon Equipment, combined with our experience of electrifying heavy-duty machines, helped significantly to make this a successful conversion project. We are pleased to have supplied the technology that has helped Pon Equipment to meet demand from the construction industry for electric zero emission excavators.”
Transforming diesel-powered excavators into fully-electric earthmoving machines is key in meeting the Norwegian government’s new policy on zero emission construction sites as part of its goal to be climate neutral by 2030. Diesel use in construction machinery accounts for about 20% of all CO₂ emissions in Oslo.
The electric excavator can operate for up to seven hours on a single battery charge under nominal load and is significantly quieter than the former diesel machine – making it ideal for use in urban areas with noise restrictions.
“Working with Danfoss Editron was an easy decision — the company is recognized as the key technology supplier for electrifying construction machinery, and has valuable experience at the application level, which is crucial to succeed in the heavy-duty industry,” said Eivind Hafslund, project manager for special products at Pon Equipment.
“The Editron drivetrain is a market-leading technology when it comes to size and performance, and its efficiency and robustness is critical for the heavy-duty demands of the construction industry.”
“Electrifying the excavator brings multiple benefits for our customers: lower vehicle emissions, safer and more reliable operations and shorter payback time. The first commercialized unit is now in production; we have already received seven orders from customers in Norway and Scandinavia, as well as interest from Germany, France, Holland and the UK.”
