EVs find a home in construction industry

The construction industry is becoming a large market for electric vehicles (EVs). A new report from technology research firm IDtechEx forecasts that $15 billion (£12.16bn) of hybrid and electric construction vehicles will […]

The construction industry is becoming a large market for electric vehicles (EVs).

A new report from technology research firm IDtechEx forecasts that $15 billion (£12.16bn) of hybrid and electric construction vehicles will be sold in 2027.

Despite lacking the generous grants seen in other sectors, the industry is seeing rising EV demand as excavators, bulldozers and loaders become more frequently used in urban environments.

The report says EVs are ideally suited to urban building sites, where new legislation is increasing market pressure for low-emission and low-noise machinery.

EVs offer many other practical benefits, such as being more precise, responsive and reliable than traditional vehicles.

They’re also safer, thanks to heat recovery mechanisms that reduce the risk of hot brakes and hydraulic fluid burning workers.

Motors near each wheel negate the need for an axle, increasing mobility, cutting cost and providing better traction that does less damage to the ground.

EVs can even be used to power other equipment around them.

The main growth area for EVs will be in compact vehicles that can work in tight spaces. Current diesel models can only run for four hours a day before they hit their noise and pollution limits and often require expensive fume extractors when working in tight spaces.

Compact EV models will be able to work for up to 24 hours a day without producing fumes.

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