KWS launches the world's first electric asphalt spreading machine
VolkerWessels company KWS invests in 100% electric asphalting with the first all-electric asphalt spreading machine. This week, the market leader in road construction will start preparations for using the world's first emission-free asphalt spreading machine* in the course of 2021. In addition to the asphalt spreading machine, KWS is investing in a fully electric roller. This means that, with the addition of both machines to the equipment park, the road builder will be able to process asphalt fully electric. With this, KWS is taking a big step towards completely emission-free asphalting.
The investment in an electric asphalt spreading machine and roller fits in with KWS's ambition to have a fully CO₂-neutral fleet of equipment by 2030. In the long term, the aim is to deploy a fully electric and therefore emission-free asphalt set. This is how KWS is working on its sustainability ambition: 100% circular infrastructure. In the new asphalt season, the electric asphalt spreading machine and roller will be used nationwide on projects at KWS Infra branches and Gebr. Van Kessel.
From diesel engine to battery
Preparations for the modification of a regular asphalt spreading machine to an electrically driven machine started this week. Part of these preparations is a thorough technical research and engineering to realise the conversion. After completion of the research, a new asphalt spreading machine will be converted into a completely emission-free machine equipped with a battery pack instead of a diesel engine in early 2021. This will be followed by a fully electric roller. Of course, the batteries of both machines will have to be charged with green electricity for optimal sustainability. KWS is taking this step towards 100% electric asphalt equipment together with importer Van der Spek, specialist in electrification of infra equipment UMS and manufacturer Dynapac.
"With this investment in 100% electric asphalting, KWS, together with the best partners, is taking a big step towards realising both our sustainable ambitions and those of our clients. We are working with them on future-proof and sustainable Dutch infrastructure. As soon as it is ready, we will immediately deploy this sustainable asphalt set on our projects," says Rolf Mars, director at KWS.
Electrical equipment park
When purchasing new equipment at KWS, sustainability is the decisive factor. The company has already invested in various electrical and hybrid equipment, such as the first electric truck in the construction industry, hybrid rollers and a multi-purpose shovel. The electric asphalt spreading machine and the roller are a welcome addition.
* As far as we know, this is the world's first electric asphalt spreading machine.