Our innovation includes the launch of the first electric compact excavator – the Volvo ECR25 Electric, which builds on experiences from concept and prototype machines like the EX02 and the existing conventionally powered ECR25D says Dimitrov Krishnan, Managing Director, Volvo CE India Pvt Ltd.

How does the BSVI norms give impetus to efficiency? How has it impacted the cost of your excavators and backhoe loaders?
As BS-IV emission norms is the next step for construction equipment, the R&D activities at Volvo Construction Equipment India, are focused on preparing products for this change. We have a good pace in the projects and we have not slowed down any investments in this regard. Although the lockdown restrictions impacted the testing and validation part of the development projects, with the Ministry of Road’s support of proposing to delay the implementation of the emission norms by six months, we will be back on schedule with all the product development work.

What are the specific factors which make your excavators and backhoe loaders efficient on uptime?
Volvo CE has a reputation for bringing the latest technologies and innovations to this industry, allowing customers to get better productivity, reliability and efficiency from their operations. Volvo’s Co-Pilot, for example, offers a range of intelligent machine services – including Dig Assist and Pave Assist – to help operators deliver higher quality outcomes, in less time and with less effort. These examples of automated and assist-functionalities differentiate Volvo’s machines in the market, helping us to stay competitive and relevant. We also offer CareTrack, a telematics system that gives equipment owners access to a wide range of machine monitoring information that can help save time and money. The system generates a wide range of reports with data on aspects such as fuel consumption, operational hours, geographical location and more. These reports are available via a web portal or can be received via SMS or email alerts. CareTrack can also be used to manage machine servicing and wear parts.

This allows fleet managers to reduce fuel costs, optimize machine and operator performance, as well as proactively manage service and maintenance to maximize uptime. CareTrack is offered not as a standard practice but as specialized packages designed to enhance customers’ businesses. For example, Contractor SS Chhatwal and Co. uses CareTrack to gain insights and data on the eight Volvo excavators working at the Gondegaon coal mine in India. Through CareTrack, the company has reduced machine idle time and downtime from repairs or breakdowns.

Tell us about the future plans for your range of excavator and backhoe loader in terms of innovations.
At Volvo, we are constantly innovating our range of equipment to deliver better fuel efficiency, uptime and productivity for customers. Our innovation includes the launch of the first electric compact excavator – the Volvo ECR25 Electric, which builds on experiences from concept and prototype machines like the EX02 and the existing conventionally powered ECR25D.

The Volvo ECR25 Electric replaces a combustion engine with 48-volt lithium-ion batteries and an electric motor that powers the hydraulics to move the machine and attachments. The batteries store enough energy to power the machine for 8 hours in typical applications, such as utility work. An onboard charger enables overnight charging via a regular household plug socket. A fast charging option, requiring more powerful grid access, will also be available. The Volvo ECR25 Electric is available in selected markets from this year.

Apart from fuel efficiency, what are the other factors which make your backhoe loaders and excavators most preferred? Volvo has one of the largest and most experienced dealer networks in India, able to provide expert advice and support whenever it’s needed, and there are a range of Customer Service Agreements available. The most comprehensive is the Gold Customer Support Agreement and this option is increasingly popular in India as work levels rise and construction schedules are squeezed. It offers preventive maintenance, inspection and repairs carried out at the earliest opportunity by trained Volvo service technicians and give companies the best possible peace of mind. For smaller contractors, or those leasing from us for the first time we offer a range of attractive financing options through our Volvo Financial Services arm. For example, Volvo Financial Services offers attractive finance proposals and extended warranties.