Norwegian contractor LNS (Leonhard Nilsen & Sønner AS) has become the first company to deploy Volvo Construction Equipment’s A30 Electric articulated hauler on a customer project. Four of the battery-electric haulers have been delivered for use on Hafslund Kraft AS’s Hemsil 3 hydropower project in the Hallingdal region, spanning the municipalities of Hemsedal and Gol. A further three machines are scheduled for delivery next month.
The A30 Electric is the first serial-produced electric articulated hauler in its size class, according to Volvo CE. The machines will be used during construction of the Hemsil 3 scheme, including work on an approximately 20km tunnel.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2029 and is expected to increase annual electricity production by around 110GWh. Hafslund Kraft is using electric construction equipment as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the project.
Lars Oust, Project Manager at Hafslund Kraft, said: “Hafslund has a strong environmental focus and takes a forward-leaning approach to electrifying construction operations on our projects. To succeed in the green transition, we need to adopt new technology and take the lead as a client, driving demand for this type of equipment. That’s why being the first in the world to use electric haulers is so important to us.”
The haulers were transported approximately 700km from Volvo CE’s production site in Braås, Sweden, to the Hemsil 3 construction site in Norway.
LNS said the tunnel construction programme, which includes blasting cycles, provides opportunities to charge the machines between operating runs.
“We are proud to have secured the first A30 Electric haulers for LNS and the Hemsil 3 project, and we look forward to putting them to work,” said Steffen Solstrand Ludvigsen, Project Site Manager at LNS. “The project is a strong fit for this type of machine. We’ll be working in tunnels with blasting cycles, which allow time for charging between runs. That makes electric haulers particularly well suited to the work here.”
Przemysla Wessel, from LNS and one of the first operators to use the A30 Electric on a customer project, added: “It was a really special experience. Being among the first to operate this electric hauler was something new for me. It was smooth, comfortable, and easy to use – I truly enjoyed the first run. This feels like a step into the future.”
The machines were supplied by Volvo CE’s Norwegian dealer, Volvo Maskin AS, which will also provide support.
David Kristiansund, Head of Operations at Volvo Maskin AS, said: “LNS has been pushing for electric haulers for several years, so it’s fantastic to see them now in operation. Together with forward-leaning customers and clients, Norway is leading the way, with strong demand for zero-emission solutions.”
