At the recent bauma show, the star of the all-electric platform line-up at Volvo was the game-changing reveal of a never-before-seen A30 Electric articulated hauler, representing the first in a key industrial segment for Volvo CE and the world’s first serial-produced battery-powered solution of its size class.
It will be available to rent, alongside the larger A40 Electric, for select customers in select European markets in 2026, ensuring quarrying, mining and construction customers can now match high productivity with a more sustainable operation.
60-years since Volvo revolutionised the construction industry with the launch of Gravel Charlie, the world’s first articulated hauler, Volvo now brings its latest game-changing articulated hauler solution to the market. Thehuge A40 Electric is the world’s first battery powered articulated hauler in its class.
Fully electric and zero-emissions – contributing to a significant reduction in energy costs and maintenance – the A40 Electric delivers all the unrivalled off-road performance, operator comfort and durability you expect from Volvo, ready to bring electrified hauling to a range of segments including quarrying, mining and construction.
“This zero-emission lineup is a marker of our commitment to drive change. Together with our pioneering service, solutions and updated portfolio of conventional machine variants, we show that we stand alongside our customers to support them across every stage of their journey. We show that we are committed to our ambitions, not just because we can, but because it is the right thing to do.”
Boasting the same unrivalled off-road performance as conventional models, the two new machines are matching zero emissions with world-class hauling for a range of segments including quarrying, mining and construction. With a payload of 29 tons and 39 tons respectively, these mighty machines are now among the largest in Volvo CE’s electric portfolio.
The launch is the latest milestone in a series of hauler innovations. It not only comes 60 years after Volvo CE pioneered the world’s first articulated hauler, but also arrives shortly after the company’s recent unveiling of a new generation of conventional articulated haulers. As part of the company’s largest product portfolio renewal in decades, within which 35% of the company’s total portfolio has been updated, this new generation makeover enjoys improved productivity, safety and fuel efficiency.
Mats Sköldberg, Head of Technology for Volvo CETogether, both the new electric and conventional ranges offer customers a pioneering and productive solution for wherever they are on their transformation journeys.
Mats Sköldberg, Head of Technology for Volvo CE, said: “Our commitment to innovation continues. These electric haulers mark a major step forward in our ambition to decarbonize construction, combining the same unbeatable performance our customers know and love, with a more sustainable operation. As the world’s first battery powered articulated haulers of their size class, we are proud to continue to evolve our portfolio by bringing our world class electric technology into a brand new segment.”
Electric operation made easy
Thanks to their powerful lithium-ion batteries, the A30 Electric hauler and A40 Electric hauler are designed to offer a runtime of 4-4.5 hours across most applications, though high-energy jobs may require more frequent recharging. They can even enjoy a runtime of up to seven hours depending on driving conditions. Ideal applications include downhill load carrying and uphill empty runs, tunnel work and quarries and underground operations, where emission reduction is critical.
Fast charging from 20-80% in around one hour is made possible when using a DC charging solution with a maximum charging capacity of 350 kW.
What is more, when powered by renewable energy these two machines offer a CO2 saving of 84% (for the A30 Electric) and 90% (for the A40 Electric) across their entire lifecycle, when compared to their diesel equivalents.
Zero emissions with a modern design
These electric models not only mark a significant step forward in sustainable innovation but also benefit from the new generation upgrade with pioneering advancements in safety, uptime and efficiency. Built on the new generation platform, they feature the same innovative, modern design and enhanced fleet management capabilities.
Advantages that come with this platform include advanced operator support systems to reduce accident risk, improved visibility for safer operation and simplified servicing for quicker and easier maintenance.
The integrated Volvo Co-Pilot display offers easy control over media, cameras, climate and machine status, while the dynamic instrument cluster provides key data at a glance.
A repositioned door, guided entry lighting and new handrails facilitate a safe entry and exit, while the comfortable and customizable cab will ensure operators enjoy an in-cab experience with more connectivity and convenience than ever before.
A more comfortable work environment is also assured with an electric operation, thanks to near silence and less vibrations. Furthermore the lack of tailpipe emissions also results in the removal of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), improving air quality for those nearby.
Operators can also stay in the know by checking charging status, machine hours and energy consumption using Volvo CE’s My Equipment app, whether on site or remotely. Add in Haul Assist, a set of tools designed to get even more productivity and efficiency from a Volvo Articulated Hauler, and the result is peak productivity, reduced energy consumption and less machine wear.
While the A40 electric represents the future, the traditional A40 is still very much in demand in the region with Aertssen recently adding to its fleet via FAMCO.
“We are proud to deliver the Volvo A40 to Aertssen. With a strong focus on efficiency and reliability, Aertssen continues to drive progress using high-performance equipment built for the toughest jobs,” said Eyad Turki, Head of Sales, Volvo at Al-Futtaim. “The Volvo A40 delivers exceptional power, durability, and efficiency—engineered to handle the most demanding job sites with ease. When performance matters, this is the machine you can count on.”
Specifications:
Payload capacity 39,000 kg
Body volume, SAE 2:1 heap 24 m³
Max engine gross power 350 kW
Battery capacity 350 kWh
