Holcim plugs in to e-power after adding electric loading shovels to UK sites
 

Holcim UK is rolling out 20 new electric loading shovels to its fleet as part of its ongoing aim of decarbonising its operations.

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The leading sustainable building solutions provider has added the LiuGong 870HE wheel loader to its roster - one of the largest tonnage pure electric vehicles of its type in the industry.

Powered by a 423kWh LFP battery, the 24,640kg loaders have a 4.7 m3 bucket capacity and have a fast charging capability of 80 minutes and a run time of up to nine hours.

The new machines are being delivered to selected aggregate and asphalt sites across Holcim’s UK network after a successful year-long trial at the company’s Callow Rock Quarry in Somerset.

The site was chosen due to its challenging conditions including steep inclines and the variety of demand and workload. With an onsite 200 KW charger, the machine ran 6am to 5pm with a 30 minute lunchtime charge included.

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Tom Redfern, Head of Sustainability at Holcim UK, said: “We’re delighted to be working with LiuGong to further grow the number of electric vehicles in our fleet as part of our ongoing decarbonisation plans.

“The machines have demonstrated really strong performance in challenging conditions and have clear environmental and cost benefits alongside positive driver reaction. LiuGong was also very responsive to our feedback and incorporated that into the design of the cab.

“These machines support our drive towards net zero through zero-emission operation and will play an ever increasingly important role to deliver on climate commitments.What has also been so pleasing about the machines is that we have been able to do this whilst enjoying great uptime and lower operating costs.”

Harry Mellor, Sales Director of LiuGong UK & Ireland, said: “We are proud to support Holcim UK as it continues to develop a more sustainable fleet with LiuGong equipment. This rollout is a strong example of how close partnership, proven technology, and operational confidence come together to accelerate the adoption of electric machinery in the UK market.”

Holcim UK had previously worked with LiuGong to introduce the first electric loading shovel to operate in Europe in 2023.

The new loading shovels join a growing fleet of electric vehicles across the company’s UK sites  including e-mixer trucks, cement lorries, mobile plant and on-site 4x4s and utility vehicles.