Ammann Launches High-Capacity Electric Asphalt Paver Using Volvo Penta Tech
The new eABG 4820 electric paver reduces noise and emissions in urban construction projects.
1Electrifying Heavy Construction Machinery
Switzerland-based Ammann has introduced the eABG 4820, a large-scale electric asphalt paver. This machine replaces traditional diesel engines with a sophisticated electric powertrain supplied by Volvo Penta. The shift marks a significant move toward decarbonizing the heavy construction sector, which has historically relied on loud, high-emission diesel equipment for road infrastructure.
2Performance and Operational Capacity
The eABG 4820 is capable of laying up to 500 tonnes of asphalt per hour. With a single charge, it can process between 350 and 450 tonnes, reaching a maximum daily output of 1,200 tonnes when utilizing an intermediate charging stop. This performance level rivals existing diesel-powered models currently used in industry.
3Battery and Powertrain Specifications
The machine utilizes a 270-kilowatt-hour nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide battery pack divided into three units. A 99-kilowatt electric motor drives the system, while Volvo Penta provides the power electronics and control technology. The setup ensures seamless communication between the electric driveline and the hydraulic systems, optimizing energy usage during complex paving operations on site.
4Charging Infrastructure and Requirements
Operators can recharge the battery using a CCS2 connector at speeds up to 150 kW, achieving a full charge in approximately ninety minutes. Alternatively, AC charging at 22 kW takes twelve hours. While the battery supports a full work shift, the proprietary screed heat system requires an external power supply for operation.
5Environmental and Noise Benefits
Electric pavers offer a 70 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to diesel counterparts. Furthermore, the significantly lower noise output makes this equipment ideal for urban environments where noise pollution is a major concern. These features allow construction companies to operate in sensitive areas without disrupting local residents or businesses.
6Maintenance and Operational Efficiency
The electric powertrain features fewer moving parts than traditional diesel engines, which eliminates several routine maintenance tasks and reduces associated long-term costs. However, companies must invest in new charging infrastructure at their depots and develop logistical solutions to manage energy replenishment for these heavy machines while working at active construction sites.
7Versatility in Paving Scenarios
The eABG 4820 can handle paving widths of up to 21.3 feet, or 6.5 meters. This capability ensures it remains a viable choice for a wide range of road construction scenarios. Its design focuses on balancing high-output performance with the strict environmental requirements increasingly demanded by modern urban planning and municipal regulations.
8Industry Transition Implications
The introduction of the eABG 4820 signals a broader trend toward the electrification of heavy rigs, following similar transitions for trucks, diggers, and cranes. As urban areas implement stricter emission standards, the adoption of such electric machinery will likely become a competitive necessity for construction firms aiming to secure future infrastructure contracts.