Good experience with electric trucks

A total of four electric trucks from Volvo were in operation on the project in the autumn of 2024. The first two trucks were put into production in mid-January, while the fourth truck was delivered before the summer. So far, the experiences with the electric trucks have been good, says logistics manager Marco Gazzina at JV AF Ghella. 

“Some drivers were skeptical at first, but eventually they became confident with the trucks. Some find them better to drive than regular diesel trucks. They run quietly without vibrations and zero exhaust during operation inside the tunnels,” says Gazzina. 

The tractors are mainly used to transport trailers with concrete elements from storage areas down into the tunnel system. The concrete elements are used for lining the 11-kilometer-long tunnel that is under construction. The tunnel will eventually be used for the distribution of drinking water. 

The joint venture AF Ghella is in the process of building the tunnel system. The project is part of Oslo municipality’s development of a backup water supply for the capital’s residents. 

Oslo municipality has extensive climate and environmental ambitions. Among other things, there are requirements for fossil-free construction sites. The project uses electric construction machinery extensively. 

The tunnel builders received Norway’s first electric dump trucks. In addition, electric wheel loaders and an electric grader are used. The tunnel boring machine, loaders, and concrete trucks run on electricity. 

The tractors from Volvo are built in Gothenburg as conventional trucks, but they are equipped with electric motors and batteries where the fuel tanks usually sit. The battery capacity is 540 kWh, and the three electric motors deliver 666 horsepower. The motors are connected to a 12-speed gearbox. 

Marco says that the longest trip they have made with the trucks is a round trip to Kongsberg. After 170 kilometers, there was 20 percent battery capacity left. 

“The range is not like a diesel truck, but we drive short distances anyway. The storage area that is furthest away is 10 kilometers from the rig site,” says Gazzina. 

He also points out that Norway has a good charging infrastructure if you were to go on a long trip. The trucks can take up to 250 kW charging. 

Marco monitors the energy consumption of the trucks. He discovered that the trucks sometimes came out of the tunnel with more power in the batteries than when they drove in. 

“I thought something was wrong, but it turned out that the charging effect when the trucks drive down into the tunnel with a full load is greater than the consumption on the way up with an empty truck. The vehicles recharge up to 2% in around a kilometre of slope,” he smiles. 

Electrification of the machinery fleet is just one of many measures to reduce climate emissions on construction projects. Less use of resources, low-carbon concrete, and changes in constructions can both reduce emissions and have less impact on nature.