GRIDSERVE using electric excavators during construction of Super Hubs

Fully-electric excavators from Volvo are being deployed by GRIDSERVE to further minimise its environmental impact during the construction phase of its nationwide rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The company has partnered with SMT GB – the exclusive dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment – to demonstrate the potential of fully-electric excavation machinery during the construction phase of its Electric Super Hubs, including the recently opened site at Moto Scotch Corner.

Located on the A1(M) south of Darlington, GRIDSERVE used a Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator to dig the trenches at Moto Scotch Corner, paving the way for all the power banks, transformers, charging units and cabling for 12 x 350kW-capable High Power EV chargers.

To guarantee the electric excavator was truly zero emissions throughout the entire construction phase, the machinery was powered exclusively via an on-site Solar Energy Centre (SEC). Developed by GRIDSERVE Technologies, Solar Energy Centres are portable and modular solar + battery units that can be easily scaled and transported to support any size of construction site, providing off-grid zero carbon energy. As well as charging electric construction equipment or power tools, Solar Energy Centres can be used to power welfare cabins, security cameras and safety lighting of larger scale projects.

At Moto Scotch Corner, the Volvo ECR25 Electric completed all required tasks dutifully and within the delivery timeframes of diesel-powered machinery, while bringing myriad benefits to both the construction team and customers of the nearby motorway service area.

“Health and safety on site is paramount for us,” explains Richard Hallas, Chief Delivery Officer. “The lack of noise and diesel exhaust fumes is far more pleasant and comfortable for everybody working here, allowing us to communicate more easily and clearly. Yet crucially, this is also helping minimise our environmental impact.”

“We’ve been deeply impressed by the abilities of the Volvo ECR25. Four hours of continuous operation is longer than we would need in a normal day, and yet it’s so easy to charge over lunch or overnight, so there is no downtime. The team just used it whenever they needed it – and we’re not using any fossil fuels at all, just the natural energy we harness from the sun on site.”

Following the trial’s completion later this year, GRIDSERVE will conduct an evidence-based analysis on all construction sites involved and will continue to work with SMT GB on developing a longer-term plan for the extended use of its zero emissions equipment.

Images courtesy of GRIDSERVE.

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