Volvo L120 Electric Delivers Construction Decarbonisation in UK Debut
Since 2023, Volvo Group and Heidelberg Materials have been working together to develop ways to cut carbon emissions across the construction sector. Their latest milestone sees a zero‑emission L120 Electric wheel loader replace a diesel model at Heidelberg Materials’ main bagging facility in Nuneaton — marking the first deployment of the battery‑electric machine in the UK, and the company’s first piece of fully electric heavy mobile equipment in its UK operations.
At SMT, we are proud to have the opportunity to help set up Heidelberg Materials for electrification success, ensuring they have appropriate infrastructure in place and the training for operators to use the machine.
Heidelberg Materials’ sustainability strategy aligns closely with the ambitions of Volvo CE and our own, with the company setting strict targets to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain — spanning both its product roadmap and its operational footprint. The L120 Electric supports this transition by operating with two charging options: a slow charger for overnight replenishment, and a 150 kW fast charger capable of delivering a 1.5‑hour ‘opportunity charge’ during the working day, ensuring the machine has the power needed to maintain high‑intensity performance.
Heidelberg Material’s L120 Electric has already worked over 100 hours, moving materials from one point to another as an integral part of the site’s production process. It typically fulfills a 7.5 hour shift on just one charge with 30% left on the battery.
The project stands as a clear example of the impact that collaboration can have in accelerating the shift toward more sustainable construction practices, offering valuable insights into how low‑carbon technologies can be integrated into real‑world operations — particularly within the complex environments of quarrying and mining.
It has also underscored the importance of early, cross‑supply‑chain coordination to ensure the smooth rollout of electrification initiatives, especially when establishing adequate charging infrastructure. While Heidelberg Materials UK has already deployed electric forklifts and other smaller battery‑powered tools, this marks the first time the company has introduced a fully electric construction machine to one of its sites.
At Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe, land‑based transport accounts for around 6 per cent of the company’s total value‑chain carbon footprint. Electrifying the regional fleet has the potential to cut annual emissions by as much as 200,000 tonnes. As a first step, the team selected the task of moving sand, aggregates and cement as a more manageable entry point for electrification, before expanding similar solutions to support more demanding activities across their operations.
This is not the first time we have partnered with Heidelberg Materials to advance more sustainable operational practices. Last year, we collaborated on the refurbishment of a 14‑year‑old Volvo L350, extending the machine’s life to promote circularity and reduce carbon emissions. That project served as an important stepping stone ahead of the introduction of full electrification.
