“Showcasing our world-class BEV capability at Intermat has surpassed our expectations,” explained Samuel Broillard, head of LiuGong operations in France. “France is one of the largest markets in Europe and represents a significant opportunity for LiuGong. We know that French customers are increasingly looking for sustainable machine solutions, backed up by expert support and advice. We have had a great deal of interest from customers from across Europe [during the exhibition]. I think many people have been surprised at just how far advanced LiuGong is in BEV technology and how much credibility we actually have. We set out to show that we are leading the change to BEV in Europe, and I believe we have achieved that.”
Staged 24-27 April, Intermat was LiuGong’s first exhibition to showcase purely BEV machines. With their distinctive green livery, these machines share LiuGong’s Red Dot Award-winning design DNA and put the operator right at the heart of the machine. LiuGong is leading a revolution in BEV R&D and plans to launch over 40 BEV models by 2027, including new BEV excavators, wheel loaders, telehandlers and access equipment.
LiuGong’s Intermat line-up included four new BEV machines for the European market, two excavators, the 9027FE and 922FE, and two wheeled loaders, the 820TE and 856HE. As an Intermat show special, LiuGong’s electric machines are being offered with 0% finance for a limited period.
This compact model takes LiuGong’s popular short tail swing 9027F and changes the power pack to a 20kW LFP battery pack. The smallest of LiuGong’s new machines at Intermat, it has the power and performance you would expect, enabling 3-4 hours of constant work and a rapid charging time of 90 mins when using a fast charger.
Based on a 48V system, it is easy and safe to service and maintain without needing special high-voltage training.
Moving onto LiuGong’s high-voltage machines, the three launch models are powered with battery systems from CATL, LiuGong’s strategic partner and an industry leader in their own right.
LiuGong’s first compact wheeled loader product, this machine has a large spacious cabin, is capable of 40kph travel speeds and is powered by a 70kWh battery. The 820TE delivers X hours between charges and can recharge within 80 mins. At a maximum height of 2.5m, and available with a 4th line auxiliary spool, this machine is excellent for agricultural and industrial applications.
LiuGong’s third machine is its global best-selling EV product, the 856HE.
A mid-class wheeled loader, the 856HE is powered by a 423kWh battery pack. It can work 10–12-hour shifts on a single charge and fully recharge in just 90 minutes. Driven by two independent motors, one for the driving transmission and one for the hydraulic loader arms and auxiliary, the 856HE is an immensely powerful machine offering full drive traction from as little as 2km/h.
LiuGong’s fourth launch machine is the 922FE medium-class excavator.
Powered by a 430kW battery, this machine can work a full 8 -10-hour shift with XX-minute recharge. This is a high-performance machine with a motor delivering 140kW of power, around 24kW higher than a comparable diesel model and similar to a 26T class machine.
Machine support is paramount, and LiuGong’s European dealer network has either completed or is in the process of completing rigorous training to become LiuGong BEV Certified. Certification means that dealers will have passed the necessary high-voltage training, CATL technical training, and detailed service training. In addition, Certification requires dealers to have mandatory spare parts and tooling before taking any machine into stock.
LiuGong’s BEV pipeline extends over 40 electric machines, from excavators and wheeled loaders to access platforms, reach stackers, skid steers, and motor graders. The company aims to be a full BEV solution provider.
Clear evidence of this approach can be seen at the Vei og Anlegg show in Oslo, Norway, later this week. There, LiuGong will launch two more battery electric machines perfectly matched to support each other in quarrying, mining, and aggregates applications.
Equipped with a larger capacity loading shovel and supplied with a 4.7m3 bucket as standard, this high-performance wheeled loader is perfect for quarry and aggregate applications.
A claimed industry first, the DR50CE is a 45T capacity rigid mining truck featuring a direct drive electric motor, further reducing transmission losses and maintenance whilst increasing productivity and reliability. This is a unique machine with the ability to recharge itself when working on downhill operations greater than 8 degrees. This rechargeability boosts productivity and reduces energy costs.
Harry Mellor, LiuGong European product director, said: “Our new range of electric machines at Intermat clearly shows our commitment to being the Number 1 for BEV machines in Europe, but they are only the start. As a company, we are on a mission to create a more sustainable future in the construction equipment industry, and our continued investments in design, R&D, and customer insight prove that we are leading the change.”
Key to supporting LiuGong’s BEV growth strategy in Europe is the extension and development of LiuGong’s dealer network. Alongside LiuGong’s investments in France, the company has also expanded its European operations with new regional offices in Germany, Italy and Turkey. Major expansion plans are also in place for the UK with a new R&D Centre, proving ground, test area and Customer Solutions Centre.
Howard Dale, LiuGong Europe chairman, said: “Now is an exciting time to be considering the LiuGong brand. Significant investments have been made, not just in product development, but in future-proofing our business to be an even better partner for our customers. At Intermat we focused on our BEV products, but we will never forget that it’s relationships that really matter in our business. At LiuGong, we are committed to listening to our customers and working with them to create a better future and success for everyone.”
