Summary
- Companies are developing low- or zero-carbon concrete to reduce emissions from making cement
- Renault Trucks introduced a fully electric battery-powered cement mixer that can transport concrete without diesel emissions
- The electric cement mixer can haul up to 10 cubic meters, reducing trips to job sites and transportation costs
- The Renault Trucks E-Tech C is a 5-axle chassis with a battery-powered mixer mechanism, developed in collaboration with Schwing-Stetter
- The electric cement mixer offers a competitive cost per transported cubic meter of concrete compared to diesel models, while complying with environmental regulations
Article
Renault Trucks has introduced a fully electric battery-powered cement mixer that can transport concrete without emitting diesel emissions, marking a significant step towards reducing the carbon impact of the construction industry. The electric cement mixer can haul a 10 cubic meter load, compared to the standard 8 cubic meters of diesel-powered mixers, leading to fewer trips to the job site and subsequently lower transportation costs. With the ability to charge the battery using electricity instead of diesel fuel, coupled with reduced wear and tear on mechanical braking systems, the business case for using an electric cement mixer becomes stronger.
In collaboration with German truck body manufacturer Schwing-Stetter, Renault Trucks has developed a two-part innovation that includes a battery-powered 5-axle chassis and a battery-powered mixer mechanism, eliminating carbon emissions during operation. The Renault Trucks E-Tech C, equipped with a fully electric mixer, is capable of carrying up to 10 cubic meters of concrete and will be unveiled at the Bauma trade fair in Munich, Germany. This joint effort between Renault Trucks and Schwing-Stetter aims to provide a zero-emission alternative for construction industry professionals while maintaining high payload capacity necessary for concrete transport.
Despite the electric cement mixer reducing the capacity due to battery weight, Renault Trucks has designed a unique five-axle model that can carry up to 10 cubic meters of concrete. The truck maintains excellent maneuverability for navigating urban environments and accessing restricted construction sites, thanks to a redesigned architecture and the vertical repositioning of the batteries behind the cab. With a range of up to 140 km on a single charge, the Renault Trucks E-Tech C can complete four daily trips of 35 km, optimizing charging strategy to avoid oversizing the battery and reduce total operating costs.
The Renault Trucks E-Tech C is set to be available in select European countries where regulations allow five-axle rigid trucks to operate at up to 42 tonnes, subject to national legislation. The companies are advocating for the harmonization of European regulations to accelerate the adoption of electric technology for concrete transport, aligning with their commitment to decarbonize transport while meeting industry productivity and competitiveness requirements. This innovation represents a significant achievement in delivering zero-emissions concrete using a zero-emissions cement mixer, contributing to the efforts of reducing carbon impact in the construction industry.
In addition to Renault Trucks, Leibherr, a Swiss company, had introduced a five-axle battery-powered cement mixer five years ago, offering an electrified body that eliminates the need for costly power electronics components. Leibherr’s electric mixer body boasts low net weight, good transport volume, a long service life, and ergonomic design features. The electric drive for the mixing drum is directly powered by the traction battery, ensuring low power consumption and eliminating the need for hydraulic equipment. This advancement in electrification of cement mixers demonstrates the industry’s shift towards zero-emission solutions and the potential for reducing carbon emissions in construction operations.
The development of electric cement mixers by companies like Renault Trucks and Leibherr highlights the growing trend towards decarbonization in the construction industry, driven by the need to adapt to a warming planet. As more companies invest in electric vehicles for concrete transport, there is a significant opportunity to reduce carbon emissions, lower operational costs, and increase efficiency in construction operations. The adoption of electric technology in the construction sector is a crucial step towards achieving sustainability goals and mitigating the environmental impact of traditional diesel-powered equipment and vehicles.
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