Electric plant: lower running costs, smoother operation

Hugh Edeleanu, H.E. Services:
“We actually had an interesting comparison on one site where a diesel Komatsu PC210 was working right alongside a fully electric Komatsu PC210, both doing exactly the same job. The standout benefit of the electric machine was how smooth and quiet it was. The operator actually preferred it to the diesel, which was a real positive. And because it was charged overnight, the running cost was around half that of diesel. We worked it out to be a saving of about £11 per hour in fuel costs. But even with a large battery, the electric Komatsu could only manage around five and a half to six hours on a single charge."

Hydrogen on site: practical lessons from early adoption

Andy Byatt Flannery Plant Hire:
"We’re working closely with the Element One project, led by Tier one contractor BAM, which has given us valuable insight into the real-world challenges of hydrogen—everything from sourcing and transporting it, to the refuelling process. Hydrogen could be a viable solution, and from conversations with suppliers, we expect that the supply of green hydrogen will become more widespread and cost-effective over time. This isn’t just about reducing carbon, it’s also about performance. We recently had the JCB hydrogen combustion engine on evaluation, and it performed well. In testing, the operator was getting around five and a half hours of operation on a single hydrogen tank with a comparable fill rate to diesel. Battery-electric works well for specific applications, particularly where there’s good grid access."

What the OEMs say: Volvo’s multi-technology strategy

Additional perspective from Bauma:
Volvo CE President Melker Jernberg addressed the world’s media at Bauma, stating, “We can be quite proud—we are a leader in many different electrical solutions.” However, he also noted electrification across the industry is progressing more slowly than needed. Internal combustion engines, he said, will remain part of the landscape for the foreseeable future, with Volvo focused on optimising them for renewable fuels as part of a broader multi-technology approach.

Discover real-world solutions for low-emission construction at PlantWorx 2025
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