A fully electric construction site may be closer to reality than science fiction. For years, electric-powered equipment has been a niche market. Material handling, aerial equipment and other construction equipment for interiors and warehouses has been emissions free. The rapid advancements in electric vehicles, advanced batteries and a broader focus on reducing carbon emissions has created a boon in construction equipment designs. Funding for net-zero buildings and electrifying new equipment designs is motivating companies. Many equipment manufacturers have recently released electric compact equipment. With more equipment entering the market daily and even more designs in development, many contractors and leaders within the construction industry are taking notice.
At National Dispatching, our team has considered the impact already being made and what the future may hold for zero emissions construction equipment. Renting construction equipment has always been a way to help your company grow. The primary advantages of renting versus owning equipment are reducing capital expenditures, matching the right equipment to each project and accessing the latest technology. Zero emission construction equipment clearly falls into this last benefit of utilizing new tech. All business owners understand equipment breakdown costs time, delaying projects and cutting into profits. One barrier to entry when considering new equipment, especially brand new and emerging technology, is the risk of performance and durability. Renting new zero emission construction equipment allows your test equipment and evaluation before you make a purchase.
How Renting Zero Emission Construction Equipment Helps Your Company Grow?
There are a number of key benefits to consider about zero emissions equipment for construction projects. Sustainable development for construction goals includes environmental, social and economic.
Environmental
Most business goals include reducing carbon footprint and reducing emissions. Obviously, electric-powered construction equipment has no direct emissions. These technologies are also energy efficient, helping to reduce fuel costs. Sound pollution has been a point of focus with many cities, municipalities and businesses. Equipment manufacturers are designing products that operate far quieter than traditional combustion engine equipment.
Social
Renting equipment that is energy efficient – which reduces environmental impact – manufactured from sustainable products and reduces emissions of a construction project has social benefits. When your efforts align with social trends, earning contracts and relationship building are more possible. Contractors who embrace renewable energy have an advantage when bidding on contracts with environmentally focused businesses and individuals.
Economic
Renting has always been a way for construction companies to be more profitable. Matching equipment to each new project allows you to stay nimble and adapt quickly. Owning equipment requires capital, extensive maintenance and storage space. Most importantly, purchasing equipment locks you into aging technology. Zero emissions construction equipment is quickly evolving, and companies that choose to rent have a significant advantage for economic growth. Not only can you support customers focused on reducing environmental impact but you save on capital, maintenance costs and have access to the most cutting-edge equipment.
What Zero Emissions Construction Equipment is Available Now?
Material Handling Equipment including electric forklifts and pallet jacks are commonly used in interiors of warehouses, retail environments and other spaces where zero emissions are necessary.
Aerial Work Equipment including boom lifts, scissor lifts, walkie stackers and warehouse order pickers are another category of popular rental equipment driven by electric motors instead of gas and diesel.
Excavators. A number of companies including Bobcat, Caterpillar, Doosan and Volvo have introduced all-electric excavators. The most popular models are compact electric excavators capable of working in enclosed spaces and producing zero emissions.
Wheel Loaders. A number of compact wheel loaders have been introduced in recent years. Operating on lithium-ion fuel cells, more manufacturers are producing electric wheel loaders. For residential work and other projects where noise pollution must be regulated, electric wheel loaders provide benefits.
Compaction Equipment. Trench compactors and plate compactors powered by electric motors are used across many construction sites. The latest models include remote control operations that increase performance and safety of operators.
Hybrid Systems. Heavy-duty equipment designs include hybrid diesel engines with battery systems. These designs are widely used in generators to radically improve efficiency, reduce noise and lower emissions. Other hybrid designs include loaders with a smaller diesel engine and lithium-ion fuel cells to handle larger workloads and decrease fuel consumption.
The Future of Electric Construction Equipment
There is a clear evolution happening in the construction industry. Adopting electrified equipment will require a number of important advancements. Cost and durability are always critical for new machines. You cannot sacrifice productivity and reliability just to reduce your carbon footprint. Running times and length of charging is also important. This is a primary concern of many business owners. Finally, availability of electric equipment will determine how quickly the look of a construction project changes.
At National Dispatching, our team is excited to study and engage with the future of electric heavy equipment rental. We are already facilitating a wide number of electric material handling, aerial equipment and hybrid battery generators. When you need to rent construction equipment, consider how National Dispatching and electric equipment may help your company grow.
