Volvo L90 Electric Wheel Loader: A New Era in Sustainable Construction Equipment

 

Milestone Achievement: First Deliveries Complete

Volvo Construction Equipment has achieved a significant milestone in its electrification journey. The company has successfully delivered its first L90 Electric wheel loaders to customers, marking a pivotal moment for sustainable construction operations. This 15-ton electric wheel loader represents the first electric machine in its class, bringing zero-emission performance to a broader range of construction and industrial applications.

Why the L90 Electric Matters

The arrival of the L90 Electric opens new possibilities for contractors, industrial operators, and construction companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on performance. With strict emissions regulations expanding in urban centers and growing demand for quieter jobsites, the L90 Electric delivers the perfect solution for modern construction challenges.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Power and Performance

• Rated Power: 140 kW (187 hp)
• Breakout Force: 143 kN
• Static Tipping Load: 10,100 kg at full turn
• Operating Weight: 14,500 - 17,300 kg

Battery and Charging System

• Battery Voltage: 600V
• Installed Battery Capacity: 180 kWh
• Usable Battery Capacity: 153 kWh
• DC Charging Capacity: 120 kW
• Fast Charging Time: 55 minutes (20% to 80% at 120 kW DC)
• AC Overnight Charging: 7 hours (full charge)
• Alternative Charging Options: Compatible with 150 kW DC fast charger, PU500 Mobile Power Unit, and 40 kW DC portable charger

Operational Capacity

• Bucket Capacity: 2.1 - 7 m³
• Log Grapples: 1.3 - 2.4 m²
• Runtime: 4-6 hours in medium-duty applications; full working day in lighter applications
• Tires: 20.5 R25 L3

Revolutionary Design Features

Dedicated Electric Motors

The L90 Electric features separate electric motors for propulsion and hydraulics, a design that enables full available power to both systems simultaneously. This configuration delivers faster response times and shorter cycle times compared to conventional diesel models, translating directly into improved productivity on the jobsite.

Purpose-Built Transmission

Volvo designed a brand-new transmission specifically for the L90 Electric platform, optimizing energy efficiency and performance. This purpose-built system ensures maximum power delivery while maintaining extended battery runtime.

Energy Recuperation Technology

The electric drive motor acts as a generator during deceleration, recovering energy that would otherwise be lost as heat in traditional braking systems. This regenerative braking not only extends battery runtime but also reduces brake wear and extends component life.

Cost Savings and Sustainability Benefits

Dramatic Operating Cost Reductions

• Energy Costs: 60-80% reduction compared to diesel equivalents
• Maintenance Requirements: 30% less maintenance needed
• Zero Engine Consumables: No oil changes, filters, or diesel exhaust fluid required
• Extended Component Life: Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake systems

Environmental Impact

The L90 Electric eliminates tailpipe emissions entirely, contributing to cleaner air quality on jobsites and in surrounding communities. The machine achieves up to 65% energy savings compared to diesel models, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of construction operations.

Expanded Business Opportunities

Access New Markets and Projects

Zero-emission operation opens doors to projects that were previously restricted or impossible with diesel equipment:

• Indoor Work: Operate in warehouses, industrial facilities, and enclosed spaces without costly fume extraction systems
• Low-Emission Zones: Access urban construction sites with strict environmental regulations
• Noise-Sensitive Areas: Work outside standard hours in residential areas or near hospitals and schools
• Green Building Projects: Meet LEED certification requirements and other sustainability standards

Versatile Applications

The L90 Electric excels across multiple industries and applications:

• Industrial material handling
• Forestry operations
• Agriculture and landscaping
• Quarries and mining
• Waste management and recycling
• Urban construction projects
• Port and logistics operations

Operator Comfort and Safety

 

Premium Work Environment

Electric operation delivers a dramatically improved experience for operators:

• Reduced Noise: Significantly quieter operation reduces operator fatigue and improves communication
• Lower Vibrations: Smoother operation throughout the work cycle
• Instant Torque: Immediate power response for better machine control
• Climate Comfort: Reduced heat generation in the cab compared to diesel models

 

Advanced Technology Features

• Intuitive interface for easy access to functions and settings
• Integration with Volvo Co-Pilot system
• Rearview camera (when fitted)
• Contronic display for operational monitoring
• Electro-hydraulic lever controls for precise operation
• Auto bucket leveling function
• Optional Comfort Drive Control and Rimpull Control
• My Equipment digital tool for battery management and uptime optimization

 

Charging Infrastructure

The L90 Electric offers flexible charging solutions to match various operational needs:

Fast Charging: Ideal for operations requiring quick turnaround times, the 120 kW DC fast charging capability replenishes the battery from 20% to 80% in just 55 minutes. For a complete charge using a 150 kW fast charger, operators can expect approximately 70 minutes.

Overnight Charging: The integrated onboard AC charger provides convenient overnight charging in 7 hours, perfect for single-shift operations where the machine can charge during off-hours.

Mobile Charging: Compatible with portable charging solutions like the 40 kW DC mobile charger and Volvo's PU500 Mobile Power Unit, enabling charging at remote jobsites without permanent electrical infrastructure.

Standard Connection: The CCS2 charging interface and Type 2 automotive standard inlet ensure compatibility with common commercial chargers.

Real-World Performance

The first L90 Electric units delivered to customers have already demonstrated their capabilities in demanding applications. Early adopters are utilizing these machines for groundbreaking projects, construction sites, and industrial operations, benefiting from the combination of zero emissions, reduced noise, and powerful performance that matches their diesel counterparts.

Market Availability

The L90 Electric is currently being delivered to select markets in Europe, with Volvo CE gradually expanding availability throughout 2025. The phased rollout allows the company to support early adopters while building charging infrastructure and service capabilities across different regions.

Looking Forward: The Future of Electric Construction

The successful delivery of the L90 Electric represents more than just a new product launch; it signals a fundamental shift in how the construction industry approaches equipment selection. As emissions regulations tighten and sustainability becomes increasingly important to project specifications, electric machines like the L90 Electric will move from innovative alternatives to standard equipment choices.

Volvo Construction Equipment continues to expand its electric lineup, with the larger L120 Electric wheel loader and the EWR150 Electric wheeled excavator also entering the market. This growing portfolio of electric solutions provides customers with options across different machine sizes and applications, all backed by Volvo's reputation for durability and performance.

Conclusion

The Volvo L90 Electric wheel loader arrives at a critical moment for the construction industry. It proves that sustainability and performance are no longer competing priorities but complementary goals. With its impressive technical specifications, substantial cost savings, expanded business opportunities, and improved operator experience, the L90 Electric sets a new standard for what construction equipment can achieve.

For companies committed to reducing their environmental impact while maintaining productivity and profitability, the L90 Electric offers a compelling path forward. The first customer deliveries mark just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative shift toward electrified construction fleets.