Often the best ideas are the simplest. Volvo CE has taken this basis to heart with its ingenious new EC300E Hybrid, now available for order in North America and making its regional show debut at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Unlike other systems that capture the swing energy of an excavator’s superstructure to electrically assist the engine, Volvo’s novel hydraulic hybrid takes ‘free’ energy generated by the boom down motion and uses it to reduce fuel consumption.

The powerful and regular boom-down motion charge 5.2 gallon (20 liter) hydraulic accumulators, which then deliver energy to drive hydraulic assist motors that help power the hydraulic pump. There are the same levels of controllability and performance as the standard EC300E, including the ability to work in ECO mode and Hybrid mode simultaneously.

Rapid payback in dig and dump applications

All this simple and uncomplicated capability takes load off the engine and in the process delivers up to 15% lower fuel consumption and 12% less CO₂ emissions than a conventional machine. When used in high production ‘dig and dump’ applications - especially those within a 90° swing - the fuel saving payback is approximately two years – and all with no loss of performance.

Not only is the idea simple – the componentry is too – consisting of just a few add-on components that are simple to maintain. At this time, the hybrid system is not available for aftermarket installation.

Technologies such as this are another example of Volvo CE delivering on its commitment to innovate and develop more sustainable and cost effective solutions for customers.