M O B I L E
H Y D R A U L I C S
Mecalac’s articulated e12 is the electric version of the 12MTX excavator. Iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide safe operation and extended life.
Mobile hydraulics embraces electrics A number of OEMs are introducing electric-drive machines that power existing hydraulic systems. Ken Korane • Contributing Editor There’s a slow and steady move toward electrification of construction equipment, including a focus on compact, battery powered machines. Concerns over the environmental effects of climate change have led many governments around the world to look to curb CO2 emissions. Legislative pressures for zero-emission vehicles in city centers and construction zones are growing and, especially in Europe, electrification is the next step. A number of OEMs are already moving ahead on this front with battery-powered versions of existing machines. Almost all are firstgeneration, where electric motors and batteries basically replace the engine. At this phase of electrification, for the most part it’s still about powering existing hydraulics. Next-generation machines, however, may bring modifications such as electric drives replacing hydraulic rotary drives
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FLUID POWER WORLD
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