Eurovia Contracting has ordered two more Volvo electric excavators as its parent company looks to increase its use of electric plant, equipment and vehicles.
The infrastructure giant said it is making positive progress on the issue, after setting the target of a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
Earlier this year, Eurovia Contracting took delivery of a battery-powered Volvo ECR25 mini excavator, which it described as ‘a game changer’.
The company told Highways that following successful trials it has now ordered another two for delivery early next year.
Phil Skegg, Eurovia Contracting managing director, said: ‘Our teams are continuing to trial and implement a range of electric and renewable options on site. This is really helping us to target where we want to grow our green plant and fleet in the future.
‘I have been pleasantly surprised at the pace of change in terms of smaller commercial vehicles, compact excavators, small powered tools and company cars, and this is where we continue to make the most inroads. However, we still have a long way to go with limited options available for heavier commercial fleet and plant, albeit we anticipate a significant increase in pace over the next 3-5 years.’
Mr Skegg added: ‘Upfront investment in new equipment and fleet is very significant, which we believe will reduce with increased adoption. That is a price we are prepared to make to meet climate targets. However, we need funders, local authorities and Government to understand the real cost/benefit associated with greener procurement choices, their different whole life costs and overall climate benefits.
‘That said, we know where the challenges are and continue to partner with manufacturers, industry, our clients and government to make sure that these challenges are addressed as quickly as possible, with the required charging infrastructure for EV and in due course the green hydrogen infrastructure for heavier commercials and plant.’
