The L120 Electric is engineered to deliver the same powerful performance as its diesel counterpart and has already undergone rigorous testing in the extreme heat of the UAE, passing all operational and durability benchmarks with flying colours.
The launch of the Volvo L120 Electric wheeled loader in the UAE and Turkey once again solidifies the leadership of Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) in the electric machinery space. A forward-thinking approach to equipment electrification has shown Volvo CE’s ability to deliver a viable alternative to diesel-powered machines without sacrificing power, reliability, or performance.
Before making the L120 Electric available in these key markets, Volvo CE tested the machine thoroughly in collaboration with trusted dealer Al Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Famco) and selected customers in the UAE to ensure it could meet the demands of a range of applications in challenging climates.
“Our goal with the L120 Electric was to deliver a machine that not only lives up to but exceeds industry expectations for performance, sustainability, and reliability,” said Johannes Nordgren, product manager at Volvo CE. “Tests in the UAE proved that our electric equipment can withstand extreme conditions and offer customers a sustainable alternative without compromising on power or efficiency.”
The L120 Electric is a 6-tonne payload wheeled loader with a total weight of 20 tonnes that uses the market-recognised conventional machine as its base. The machine delivers the same performance as the conventional internal combustion engine model, while offering the environmental benefit of zero tail pipe emissions, with nearly silent operation and a more comfortable working environment. Powered by 282 kWh batteries, the wheeled loader provides an eight-hour runtime in light to medium-duty applications, with the versatility to operate indoors and in noise-sensitive areas. Featuring state-of-the-art electric propulsion technology, the Volvo L120 Electric wheeled loader marks a significant advancement in reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution from traditional diesel-powered equipment.
An advanced electric drivetrain, coupled with Volvo CE’s innovative cooling system, was a crucial focus during tests conducted in the UAE. Operating in temperatures that can climb up to 50°C (122°F), the L120 Electric was trialled to assess reliability and thermal management in harsh conditions.
This success of the trial highlights the robustness of the technology in one of the most demanding environments on the planet. The L120 Electric’s cooling system is designed to optimise temperature regulation across the motor, batteries, and power electronics. Despite the intense heat of the UAE, the system maintained optimal working conditions for the machine’s key components, ensuring continued productivity and charging without overheating or performance degradation.
The electric drivetrain offers considerable advantages for customers operating in environmentally sensitive areas, urban zones, and regions with stringent emissions regulations. With zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reduced noise pollution, and improved overall energy efficiency, the L120 Electric represents a significant leap forward in sustainable construction equipment.
Adding to the L120 Electric’s successful UAE trial, Volvo CE has also been bestowed with the Construction Machinery Middle East (CMME) Award for Electric Machinery of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognises Volvo CE’s commitment to driving sustainable practices in the construction industry through innovative design and cutting-edge technology.
“With the successful launch of the L120 Electric wheeled loader and its proven performance in extreme climates, Volvo CE continues to lead the charge toward a greener and more sustainable global construction industry,” says Ilkay Fidan, commercial manager for Volvo CE in the Middle East. “By harnessing electric power, it offers a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient solution for construction projects. Ultimately the L120 Electric demonstrates a prevailing commitment to expanding an electric portfolio, delivering robust, zero-emission machinery that can thrive in the harshest operational environments.”
The L120 Electric will now be available in the UAE and Turkey, with more markets to come.
