The new EC300E Hybrid hydraulic excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment is now
available for order in North America.
Unlike other systems that capture the swing energy of an excavator’s superstructure to
electrically assist the engine, says Volvo, the EC300E hydraulic hybrid takes “free” energy
generated by boom-down motion and uses it to reduce fuel consumption. According to Volvo,
the powerful and regular boom-down motion charges 5.2-gallon hydraulic accumulators, which
then deliver energy to drive hydraulic assist motors that help power the hydraulic pump. The
hybrid delivers the same levels of controllability and performance as the standard EC300E, says
Volvo, including the ability to work in ECO Mode and Hybrid Mode simultaneously.
The hybrid system, says the company, takes load off the engine, and in the process, delivers up
to 15 percent lower fuel consumption and 12 percent less carbon dioxide emissions, compared
with a conventional machine. When used in high production “dig-and-dump” applications,
especially those within a 90-degree swing, the fuel saving payback is approximately two years,
says Volvo.
