Frequently asked questions about our zero emission machines

Rental is an especially good idea to experience battery-electric construction machines and construction equipment in action. You can test the e-machines on your own construction site here. Please contact your local sales partner. You will find the nearest sales point at: https://locations.wackerneuson.com/lf/

No, the zero emission products are just as easy and intuitive to operate as conventional machines. The construction equipment literally starts at the push of a button. 

Yes, the performance of our zero emission machines and construction equipment is comparable to that of our conventional models. 

That depends on the construction equipment or construction machine. The running time duration also varies depending on the application and application conditions. For over 90% of all customer applications, one battery charge is sufficient for a full workday. Intermediate charges can extend the running time even more.

That depends on the construction equipment or construction machine as well as the battery charger, the battery option selected and the performance of the charging connection. In practice, our battery-powered machines are charged overnight, as the battery running time is sufficient for an entire day. A 1h intermediate charge during the day extends the application time by up to 25%. To ensure that our construction machines are always charged and can thus provide their full performance, they are equipped with the most commonly used power connections, such as Schuko/CEE and type 2 plugs. Additionally, with Battery One and the Charging Box, we offer prime infrastructural solutions for e-construction sites.

For now, electric drive systems are more expensive than conventional drive systems, mainly due to the cost of the battery and the electrical components. However, battery-electric construction machines and construction equipment are considerably less expensive than their conventionally powered counterparts throughout their long service life, as operating costs are on average half, and maintenance costs are one-third lesser.

The savings differ depending on the zero emission machine and energy costs. On an average, operating costs are cut by half and maintenance costs by a third. This makes the higher acquisition costs of the machines relative.

Battery-electric construction machines are the future and are extremely stable in value. So a higher resale value can be expected than for conventionally powered machines. The residual value of the machines can also be ascribed to the raw materials used, which can be recycled.

Since we have been offering machines from our zero emission portfolio for more than 10 years now, we have been able to witness many practical applications from customers on site. You can find some operational reports here: https://magazine.wackerneuson.com/en/zero-emission/

In many construction site situations, the use of electric construction machines and construction equipment is the ideal solution. Always, for example, when exhaust emissions and sound levels have to be kept as low as possible – whether in the inner city, sensitive environments such as in the area of kindergartens or hospitals, in interiors or when working at night.
It is best to discuss with your local sales partner as to whether machines and construction equipment from the zero emission portfolio are suitable for your application.

Our electrically powered construction machines are even up to 20 decibels quieter than conventional counterparts. 10 decibels less mean the sound level perceived is cut in half. Incidentally, this also has a tangible economic advantage, as there is often a requirement to work in noise-sensitive environments. 

Please contact your local Wacker Neuson sales partner.

Intermediate charging during downtimes is always worthwhile for li-ion batteries. A considerable amount of energy is recharged already within short charging times.

In addition to zero emission machines, Wacker Neuson also offers infrastructural solutions for e-construction sites. In addition to battery chargers, fast battery chargers and battery transport systems, this also includes a CB250 charging box, which can be used to autonomously charge battery-electric machines on the construction site, just like with a power bank.

The battery-powered machines and construction equipment from Wacker Neuson can be used in the temperature range of -10 to +50 degrees. Charging at low temperatures is also not a problem. The construction equipment batteries (Battery One BOB) can be charged at up to -20 degrees. All construction machines with li-ion batteries have an integrated battery heater, so that charging down to -15 degrees is possible. If battery-powered machines are used or stored in particularly cold environments, special handling is recommended to increase battery service life - for example avoid deep discharges by storing drained batteries for long periods in cold conditions.

The battery of all construction equipment can be replaced in a few simple steps. An empty battery can be replaced with a fully charged one in a matter of seconds, or removed from the vibratory rammer and applied to the vibratory plate, depending on which equipment is needed at the time. Thanks to the Battery One concept, the BOB battery is multi-functional and can be used for all construction equipment from Wacker Neuson and in some cases even across manufacturers. You will find more information here: https://www.battery-one.org/. The li-ion batteries are permanently installed in the construction machines and are not intended to be replaced during operation. However, they can of course be repaired or replaced in a workshop.

Wacker Neuson's battery-electric construction machines can be charged either at a household socket (Schuko), an industrial socket (CEE) or at a wall box (type 2 plug). Most construction sites also have a construction site power connection. If this is not available, Wacker Neuson offers infrastructure solutions for the e-construction site in addition to emission-free machines. With the Charging Box CB250, battery-electric machines can be charged autonomously on the construction site if there is no power. Much like using a power bank.

With the Wacker Neuson zero emission solutions, you can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, including battery production and power generation. During operation, the zero emission machines do not emit exhaust emissions and therefore no CO2. Therefore, the environment and all those who work on the site are relieved.

Wacker Neuson's zero emission machines mainly use lithium-ion batteries. The DW15e wheel dumper(s), as well as previous generations of the WL20e wheel loader(s), are powered by a lead acid battery (AGM).

Wacker Neuson exclusively offers a special version of the Systainer® from Tanos for transporting and charging Wacker Neuson batteries of the BOB series. In this sturdy system box, the accessories for battery-powered equipment are protected from damage and dirt and can be safely transported and stored temporarily. A hazard cabinet is required for extended storage.

All battery-electric zero emission machines are subject to different protection classes for operation and transport. This includes, for example, load securing during transport and the obligation to carry a fire extinguisher. Please consult your local sales partner here, as regulations vary from country to country.

The number of full load cycles is relevant for the aging of the battery.

The Li-ion cells employed for the Wacker Neuson construction machines are dimensioned such that they exhibit at least 80% State of Health (rest capacity) after 2000 full load cycles.
A typical life cycle for our construction machines of 5 operating hours with one battery charge is thus equivalent to 10,000 operating hours.
Aging may vary positively or negatively dependent on other parameters, such as e.g. ambient temperature or intensity of use.

Note: A State of Health (SoH) of 80% does not mean that the battery is “worn out” or no longer works. The performance and function of the device remain unchanged, only the battery capacity and therefore the machine runtime is reduced by 20%. 

Our advice for the care and thus increased lifetime of the battery:
A medium charge level (e.g. between 20%-60%) as well as a low and constant temperature (e.g. between 15°C-25°C) for longer service life periods and storage