Electrifying construction: Zero-emission compactor piloted on major Los Angeles transit project – GWC Mag

Dive Brief:

• Sweden-based contractor and developer Skanska is piloting a zero-emission electric compaction roller on a major Los Angeles transit project, the company announced in a release Monday. 
• Skanska has deployed the Windhagen, Germany-based Wirtgen Group’s HAMM HD 12e VV on its part of L.A. Metro’s $9.5 billion Purple (D Line) Extension Transit project. The vehicle is one of five pre-production models in North America, according to Skanska, and is one of the first all-electric compactors used on an ongoing project.
• The pilot, which will use the roller to compact subgrade and crushed aggregates at the Purple Line’s Fairfax station, will test the capability, sustainability and operator preference of the machine.

Dive Insight:

It’s not the first time the company has tested an electric vehicle on that section of the Purple Line project.

Last month, Skanska announced the conclusion of a 90-day pilot project using a Volvo EC230 electric excavator on the La Brea station. Skanska claimed it was among the first to try out the Volvo excavator in North America.

Operators used the excavator to load trucks with material from a stockpile. The initial findings from Skanska’s pilot indicated the Volvo machine performed work as needed while maintaining project pace. Operators provided favorable feedback, Skanska reported, in part due to the electric vehicle generating less vibration and noise than a diesel-powered excavator, which created a preferable work environment.

The program also found that the excavator reduced emissions and lowered cost. The unit used 66% less carbon per hour and saved an estimated $15.15 in operating costs per hour.