Electrification of the construction site, testing of electric truck

Electrification of construction sites holds significant potential to reduce the overall climate emissions of the construction and building sector. To increase knowledge about the use of electric vehicles on construction sites, an electric truck was tested in Stockholm Royal Seaport in spring 2022. The tests also include a battery storage system that can fast-charge the electric truck.

The results from the tests can form the basis for economically and environmentally sustainable solutions for electrification. This benefits the development of Stockholm Royal Seaport while also contributing to national knowledge about how electrified solutions can be designed and function on construction sites,

The electric truck is the first of its kind, making Stockholm the first city in Sweden to test a fully electric truck. To handle various types of deliveries, the truck is equipped with a unique load exchange system. Through a low-energy consumption load exchange system and accompanying three units, such as excavation platforms, lumber platforms with mounted cranes, and a cabinet unit with a rear lift for secure building material delivery, the truck can provide the right service for the project.

Positive driving experience

The electric truck was tested for transport related to the Construction Consolidation Center, which supplies the development with building materials. It also transported excavated materials. Fredrik Rundqvist, who drove the electric truck during the tests, had many positive experiences so far:

"I find the vehicle smooth to drive, as the electric motor is less jerky and provides a better sound environment than the vehicles I usually drive. I also avoid standing in exhaust fumes during loading and unloading," says one of the drivers at the centre.

Electric supply a critical issue

Today, transportation accounts for one-third of Sweden's total greenhouse gas emissions, and as a sustainability-focused area and testbed for innovations, electric transport aligns with Stockholm Royal Seaport's goal of being fossil-free by 2030. A key question that the electric truck tests can help address is identifying ways to ensure access to electricity.

"A construction site involves transport and processing of materials and construction, processes that have high energy and power demand. If we can learn from these tests how to utilise capacity optimally by working smart, we have much to gain," adds Fredrik Bergman.

The truck is charged with renewable electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 86% over its entire lifecycle. Since it runs on electricity, it is also quiet, not disturbing residents and businesses. The battery capacity is 300 kWh, which corresponds to a day's driving in the project.

The electric truck is the first of its kind, and the City of Stockholm is thus the first among Swedish municipalities to test a fully electric truck. To handle various types of deliveries, the truck is equipped with a unique load exchange system. With a low energy-consuming load exchange system and three accompanying units, such as an excavation platform, a lumberyard platform with a mounted crane, and a cabinet unit with a rear tail lift for safe construction material delivery, it has the flexibility to provide the right service in the project.

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Article Published: 17/04/2022 Updated: 27/06/2024