Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has officially begun serial production of its A30 Electric and A40 Electric articulated haulers, becoming the first manufacturer globally to achieve this at such scale for machines of this size. The move represents a pivotal advance in the electrification of heavy construction equipment and underlines Volvo CE’s position at the forefront of technological transformation within the sector.
This achievement builds on Volvo CE’s longstanding legacy as the original inventor of the articulated hauler. By bringing battery-electric hauling solutions into full-scale production, the company has successfully transitioned from concept and prototype stages into industrial reality. The machines were first unveiled at the Bauma 2025 exhibition, where they attracted considerable attention from industry stakeholders. Since then, growing customer demand has reflected an increasing willingness across quarrying and mining operations to embrace zero-emission alternatives.
Production rooted in heritage and innovation
The A30 Electric and A40 Electric models are now being manufactured at Volvo CE’s facility in Braås, Sweden—a site steeped in history as the birthplace of the world’s first articulated hauler, “Gravel Charlie”, introduced in 1966. More than five decades later, the same location is now leading the next phase of evolution in hauling technology.
This continuity highlights not only the strength of Volvo CE’s engineering heritage but also the pace at which the company is advancing its technological capabilities. The shift to electric production at Braås symbolises a bridge between past innovation and future-focused sustainability.
Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, said: “Starting serial production of electric articulated haulers of this size is a proud moment for Volvo CE. It shows that our ambition to lead the transformation of our industry is backed by real execution. This milestone proves that electric solutions are ready to meet the demands of heavy, high-productivity applications, and that meaningful change is underway.”
High performance meets sustainability goals
With payload capacities of 29 tonnes for the A30 Electric and 39 tonnes for the A40 Electric, these models rank among the largest electric machines in Volvo CE’s growing portfolio. Articulated haulers are typically used in demanding, high-utilisation environments, making them particularly energy-intensive. Electrification therefore offers significant potential to reduce emissions while also delivering competitive total cost of ownership.
Depending on operating conditions, the electric haulers can run for up to six hours on a single charge, making them viable for a range of heavy-duty applications. This balance of performance and sustainability is expected to play a crucial role in accelerating adoption across key industries.
Initial units produced at the Braås plant are scheduled for delivery to customers in the United Kingdom and Norway within the coming weeks. Further shipments to selected clients across Europe are planned for the latter half of 2026, reflecting a phased rollout aligned with demand.
Fredrik Tjernström, Electromobility Solutions Sales at Volvo CE, said: “There is a real sense of pride in seeing this move from ambition to reality – not just because we are first, but because we are delivering exactly as promised. Customer interest since Bauma has been strong, with demand extending beyond the initial production schedule.”
Supporting long-term industry transformation
Looking ahead, Volvo CE’s move into serial production forms part of a broader strategic vision to expand its range of electric machinery and support customers at different stages of their sustainability journeys. By combining innovation with practical deployment, the company aims to accelerate the transition towards cleaner, more efficient construction and mining operations worldwide.
