Volvo Penta-Powered Ammann Electric Paver Supports Quieter Urban Construction in the Netherlands
Ammann’s battery-electric eABG 4820 asphalt paver, powered by Volvo Penta’s electric driveline, has been used to construct a new cycle path in Groningen, the Netherlands.
The machine combines zero direct exhaust emissions with reduced operating noise, making it suitable for urban construction projects near homes and businesses.
The project demonstrates how electric construction equipment can improve working conditions while reducing noise and local emissions.
Groningen relies heavily on cycling, with more than half of daily journeys made by bicycle. Maintaining and expanding its cycle paths therefore requires regular paving work.
Electric Paver Improves Working Conditions on Urban Jobsites
For asphalt contractor Albert Santing, who has 28 years of industry experience, the electric paver has made a noticeable difference.
He highlighted the reduced noise levels during long working shifts.
“We work 10 hours a day and with this machine, we don’t go home with a pounding headache from the noise,” Santing said.
The quieter operation also allows workers to hear surrounding equipment more clearly.
Santing explained that he can hear trucks and rollers moving around the jobsite more easily.
In addition, the absence of diesel exhaust fumes from the paver provides another benefit for workers.
Ammann eABG 4820 Delivers Paving Performance
The Ammann eABG 4820 combines battery-electric operation with the control required for consistent asphalt paving.
The machine offers a maximum paving width of 6.5 metres and a laying capacity of up to 500 tonnes of asphalt per hour.
Its electric motors deliver torque immediately, allowing operators to respond directly to control inputs.
This provides precise machine movement during paving operations.
Santing described the machine’s responsiveness as a key advantage.
“It does not build up any RPMs. You move the stick, the machine obeys,” he said.
He compared its response to a sports car, although the paver operates at a much slower speed.
Volvo Penta Electric Driveline Powers the Paver
At the centre of the machine is Volvo Penta’s electric driveline, which integrates batteries, electric motors, power electronics and control technology.
Ammann has installed three battery units with a combined capacity of 270 kWh.
The battery technology is based on Volvo Group systems that have undergone extensive testing in both on-highway and off-highway applications.
The integrated system manages the energy required to operate different machine functions.
Judith Karl, Director of Service Market Central Europe at Volvo Penta, highlighted the benefits of electric power for urban construction.
“In urban construction, electric power has clear benefits, from quieter operation to zero direct exhaust emissions,” Karl said.
She also described the project as an example of applying established Volvo Group technology to specific customer requirements.
Intelligent Energy Management Supports Machine Operations
Developing an electric asphalt paver involves more than replacing a diesel engine with batteries and electric motors.
The machine must distribute energy efficiently across several systems, including hydraulics and the screed.
Philipp Bramer, Head of Ammann’s e-paver development team, explained the importance of the integrated architecture.
“The electric driveline doesn’t just power the machine. It communicates seamlessly with the hydraulics,” Bramer said.
The intelligent control system supplies the energy required by different machine functions.
This approach helps coordinate power distribution and supports efficient equipment operation.
Electric Paver Reduces Noise in Urban Construction
The Groningen project highlights the potential benefits of battery-electric paving equipment in densely populated areas.
Construction activities near residential buildings and businesses can create noise and other environmental disturbances.
The eABG 4820 addresses these challenges through quieter operation and zero direct exhaust emissions during use.
These characteristics can improve conditions for both construction workers and people in surrounding areas.
Furthermore, electric power can help contractors meet the requirements of projects where noise and local emissions are important considerations.
Contractor Reports a More Comfortable Working Day
At the end of the paving shift in Groningen, Santing highlighted the difference in his working conditions.
“I just ended my shift, but I feel like I just started,” he said.
He added that he experienced no ringing ears or heavy-headed feeling after the day’s work.
The completed cycle path also met his expectations.
The project demonstrates how electric construction equipment can combine paving performance with improved operator comfort.
Volvo Penta and Ammann Advance Electric Construction Equipment
The collaboration brings together Ammann’s paving equipment expertise and Volvo Penta’s electric driveline technology.
The Volvo Penta electric driveline supports the eABG 4820 through integrated power systems and intelligent energy management.
Meanwhile, the machine’s quieter operation and zero direct exhaust emissions offer advantages for urban paving projects.
The Groningen cycle path project provides a practical example of how battery-electric equipment can support construction activities in populated areas.
