Heavy-duty electric machines are starting to become more common around the country, and can be found everywhere from roadworks sites, to landfills, to ports.
Three businesses talk to us about their switch to electric and what they've learned along the way.
When you get a new toy, you go right, let’s find the hardest job we do and give it heaps. And that’s what we’ve done. It out-performs.
Why these businesses are loving their new electric machines
- Savings in operating costs by 75-80% – electricity is much cheaper than diesel and oil change/servicing is not required.
- Fast charging – minimal difference to workflow.
- Super smooth and quiet – great for both drivers and neighbours.
- More efficient – you can get more done with less effort.
- More powerful – the high torque and fast response of electric motors improves both speed and precision.
- Cleaner fuel – 90% less carbon emissions and no diesel fumes.
Get the dirt
-
Electric loader at Wellington landfill
The Leach & Co team, who operate at Wellington’s Southern Landfill have been using an XCMG electric 20-tonne, front end wheel loader since 2023.
-
First New Zealand electric reach stacker
Used for moving containers at Reliance Transport’s Wiri depot, the Sany SRSC45E electric reach stacker is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
-
Fulton Hogan electric loader
Fulton Hogan and TDX’s trial of a fully electric 20-tonne Volvo JL120 at their Reliable Way Asphalt Recycling Plant has significant financial savings.
We started with small electric vehicles, then got bigger forklifts and trucks. Every step has validated that we like using them... You're not going to replace all your fleet in one year, make small steps first.
Opportunities, challenges and costs
With the promise of lower running costs, zero emissions and quiet operation, it’s clear to see why demand exists for electrified equipment. However, as with the early days of electric cars, concerns linger around charging infrastructure, reliability and cost.
EECA and MartinJenkins undertook research to understand the opportunities and challenges for electric construction equipment. We also assessed how the lifetime costs of these machines compare to their diesel counterparts.