Danfoss electrifying excavators

Zero emission construction sites

Innovative electrification technology adopted by leading construction equipment supplier.

Danfoss Editron has delivered electrification technology to support Pon Equipment AS. To help its development of a fully battery-operated 25-ton electric excavator.

We helped transforming diesel-powered excavators into full electric earth moving machines. This was to meet the Norwegian government’s new policy on zero emission construction sites. Diesel use in construction machinery accounts for about 20 percent of all CO₂ emissions in Oslo. The new policy has been set in order to support Norway’s radical proposal, pledged in 2016, to become climate neutral by 2030.

Tomi Ristimäki, OEM Sales Director at Danfoss Editron said “The Cat 323F Z-line is a clean green innovative machine. It is enabled by Danfoss’ powerful EDITRON drivetrain, a software-led system. We have a strong relationship with Pon Equipment. This 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 to Pon Equipment. It helped to meet demand from the construction industry for electric zero emission excavators.”

The machine can operate for up to seven hours on a single battery charge under nominal load. The electric excavator is zero emission, and significantly quieter than the former diesel machine. This makes it ideal for use in urban areas with noise restrictions. EDITRON powertrain systems are rugged and compact, with smart software controls. These are suitable for hybrid and electric applications within the power range of 30kW to 2,000kW.

Eivind Hafslund, Project Manager for Special Products at Pon Equipment said, “Working with Danfoss Editron was an easy decision. The company is recognized as the key technology supplier for electrifying construction machinery. It also has valuable experience at the application level, which is crucial to succeed in the heavy-duty industry. The EDITRON drivetrain is a market leading technology when it comes to size and performance. Its efficiency and robustness is critical for the heavy-duty demands of the construction industry.

Electrifying the excavator brings multiple benefits for our customers. For example, 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.”