The electrification of construction equipment is becoming increasingly important as the industry embraces sustainable and low-emission technologies. The use of electric drives offers significant environmental benefits, including reduced emissions, lower noise pollution and more sustainable use of resources. This paper examines the key environmental aspects of the electrification of construction machinery and takes into account the product landscape of ATECH Antriebstechnik GmbH.

Reducing emissions

No CO₂ emissions during operation

Electric construction machines do not emit any CO₂ during operation because they do not burn fossil fuels. This contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on construction sites and helps to achieve global climate targets. A study by the city of Zurich in 2022 showed that the use of electric construction equipment and transport vehicles can save up to 63% of greenhouse gas emissions, 67% of nitrogen oxide emissions and 44% of NMVOC emissions.

Improving air quality on construction sites

Without the exhaust fumes from diesel or petrol engines, electric construction machines significantly improve air quality. This is particularly advantageous in urban areas or enclosed spaces such as tunnels and warehouses, where a high concentration of exhaust fumes can be harmful to health. In 2024, the German Environment Agency published an analysis of the environmental performance of vehicles with alternative drive systems, which showed that battery-electric vehicle concepts are particularly advantageous in terms of greenhouse gas impact and cumulative energy expenditure.

Sustainability & less noise pollution

Reducing the consumption of fossil fuels

Since electric construction machines do not consume diesel or petrol, dependence on fossil fuels is reduced. This not only conserves resources, but also reduces operating costs and stabilises the energy supply, especially when renewable energies are used to generate electricity.

Lifecycle and recycling

The production and disposal of batteries play a significant role in the environmental performance of electrical construction equipment. However, modern battery systems can be recycled and reused, further minimising the ecological footprint.

Less noise pollution

Electric construction machines are significantly quieter than their diesel-powered counterparts. This reduces noise pollution for construction workers and local residents, which is a particular advantage in inner-city construction sites or when working at night.

CO₂ footprint of battery production & recycling

CO₂ emissions from production

The production of lithium-ion batteries currently still causes high CO₂ emissions. Nevertheless, electric construction machines often compensate for this disadvantage over their entire service life through their emission-free operation. Advances in battery production, such as the use of renewable energies in manufacturing processes, help to further reduce the CO₂ footprint.

Battery recycling options

Recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries are constantly improving. Technologies for recovering valuable raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel contribute to a circular economy. In addition, used batteries can be reused as stationary energy storage devices.

Research and development

A lot is happening in the field of research and development, and the search for new, innovative approaches continues unabated. Several German universities are conducting intensive research into the electrification of construction machinery:

• The: the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is dedicated to the further development of hybrid drives. In particular, new concepts for the recovery of residual energy in hydraulic systems are being developed in order to further increase the efficiency of construction machinery.

• The Cologne University of Applied Sciences is researching how to improve lithium-ion batteries for off-road utility vehicles and is investigating how to make them more durable and powerful.

Current trends and unresolved challenges

Research is currently focused on the following areas:

1. Further development of battery technology: The use of solid-state batteries or high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries promises greater range and shorter charging times.

2. Hydrogen technology: We are currently investigating the extent to which hydrogen can be used to supplement battery technology in order to further extend the operating time of construction machines.

3. Combining electrification and digital control technology: The aim here is to optimise work processes using intelligent control systems and to further reduce energy consumption.

Despite major advances, challenges remain in scaling recycling technologies for batteries, improving charging infrastructure and optimising the cost structure. These unresolved issues offer considerable potential for innovation for the future of the electrified construction industry.

Product landscape of ATECH Antriebstechnik GmbH

ATECH Antriebstechnik GmbH offers a wide range of powerful electric drive systems for construction machinery. These include:

• electric motors
• battery packs
• Power electronics

These systems are specially designed for the tough conditions on construction sites. They enable efficient conversion and new development of electric construction machines and thus contribute directly to the environmentally friendly transformation of the construction industry.

Conclusion

The electrification of construction machinery offers significant environmental benefits, including:

• Reduced emissions
• Improved air quality
• Lower noise pollution

Despite the CO2 emissions associated with battery production, recycling and circular solutions can minimise the ecological footprint. Companies like ATECH Antriebstechnik GmbH are driving this development with high-performance electric drive systems and supporting the transition to a more sustainable construction industry.

        

Ihr Ansprechpartner fürs nächste Projekt

Wir können eine persönliche Beratung aufgrund der hohen Individualisierung nur empfehlen. Kontaktieren Sie jetzt unverbindlich Ihren persönlichen Ansprechpartner, der gerne auf Ihre Fragen und Anforderungen eingehen wird.

Jetzt kontaktieren

 

 

        

Werner Hummel

Leitung Technik

Telefon +49 (86 77) 98 09-14
Telefax +49 (86 77) 98 09-20
werner.hummel@atech-antriebstechnik.de