Electric construction machines: advantages, autonomy and solutions Archimede Energia
The electrification of construction machinery is no longer a future trend: it is an increasingly concrete reality on today’s construction sites. Excavators, aerial platforms, telehandlers and wheel loaders are abandoning heat engines and hydraulic systems in favour of full electric solutions, driven by the need to reduce emissions, noise and operating costs. At the heart of this revolution are lithium batteries, and in particular high-performance batteries designed for heavy-duty industrial applications like ours.
The electric transition is also an increasingly concrete reality in the construction industry. The electrification of construction machinery represents a breakthrough for more sustainable, efficient and silent construction sites. But what does it really mean to go electric on construction sites? What are the advantages, limitations, costs and performance?
In this article we answer the main questions that users ask about the electrification of construction machinery, with a technical and concrete look at the lithium batteries developed at Archimede Energia, a manufacturer specialising in tailor-made solutions for this sector.
Why Electrify Construction Equipment?
The construction industry is one of the sectors with the highest environmental impact in terms of CO₂ emissions, noise pollution, and energy consumption. In this context, electrification is a key driver for achieving European sustainability goals. But it’s not just about the environment—contractors and rental companies are discovering the operational benefits of battery-powered construction equipment:
- Zero local emissions: ideal for enclosed spaces, urban centers, and underground worksites.
- Noise reduction: a crucial feature for nighttime operations or work near sensitive areas.
- Energy efficiency: electric motors offer higher efficiency than internal combustion engines.
- Lower maintenance costs: fewer moving parts, no engine oil, no oil or filter replacements.
Lithium Batteries for Construction Machinery: The Right Choice
In this scenario, lithium batteries are the most advanced and advantageous solution for electrification. Compared to lead-acid batteries, they offer higher energy density, faster charging, longer lifespan, and no memory effect.
At Archimede Energia, we design custom systems for the construction sector, perfectly adaptable to all types of machinery.
Our solutions are based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, one of the safest and most stable chemistries for heavy-duty applications. Our battery modules stand out for:
- High energy density in compact volumes
- Fast charging, even in under 2 hours
- Long service life, with over 3,000 charge/discharge cycles
- Proprietary BMS systems for smart and safe battery management
Real-World Applications: From Excavators to Light Towers
Our lithium batteries are already powering a wide range of construction and industrial lifting equipment:
- Electric mini-excavators: used in confined spaces and historic city centers, powered by 48V or 96V modules
- Hybrid and full-electric light towers: ensure continuous lighting even in off-grid areas, without noise pollution
- Aerial platforms and vertical lifts: lithium technology drastically reduces downtime, increasing autonomy between charges
Focus: Electrification of Industrial Lifting Equipment
Electrification is already underway in the industrial lifting sector—forklifts, AGVs, and warehouse trucks. Internal logistics, especially in automated warehouses and production plants, demands low-maintenance, high-performance, and durable solutions.
In this context, our batteries enable:
- Intensive use across multiple shifts, with no performance drop
- Fast charging during shift changes, without the need for spare batteries
- Remote monitoring via integrated connectivity for predictive maintenance and vital parameter tracking
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Construction Machine?
Thanks to lithium chemistry and integration with advanced charging systems, construction equipment can now be charged in very short times:
- Full charge: 2 to 6 hours, depending on battery capacity and outlet power
- Partial charge: even 1 hour of charging can deliver up to 25% extra range—crucial for extending work during peak periods
We at Archimede Energia develop battery packs optimized for fast charging, compatible with industrial chargers and mobile systems.
Do Electric Construction Machines Perform as Well as Diesel Ones?
Yes, and in many cases, they perform even better. Electric motors deliver instant torque, ideal for tasks requiring strength and precision.
Our customers report improved responsiveness, greater control, and no power loss under load.
Moreover, electrification allows digital management of the entire machine, thanks to integration with telematics and advanced BMS.
What About Purchase and Maintenance Costs?
While the initial cost of an electric machine may be higher, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is significantly lower in the medium-to-long term:
- Up to 50% reduction in operating costs (energy vs. fuel)
- Up to 70% lower maintenance requirements
- No need for parts like filters, oil, or belts
Thanks to a long service life (over 3,000 cycles), Archimede Energia batteries help amortize the investment within just a few years.
Where Can Electric Construction Machines Be Used?
Ideal applications include:
- Urban job sites with emissions and noise restrictions
- Enclosed environments (tunnels, parking structures, factories)
- Renovations in occupied buildings, hospitals, and schools
- Temporary events and night-time construction sites
Thanks to the modularity of our battery packs, we can adapt the technology to off-grid vehicles and complex work conditions.
How Is On-Site Charging Managed?
On-site charging can be done:
- Via industrial sockets or mobile charging stations
- With the help of hybrid generators or electrified light towers
- Through integrated energy storage systems—one of our specialties
Archimede Energia provides complete charging solutions, including battery storage systems for smart energy management.
Are Electric Construction Machines Really Quieter?
Yes. Our batteries power electric motors with noise levels up to 20 dB lower than diesel engines. This makes a big difference for:
- Nighttime urban works
- Sensitive environments (hospitals, schools, malls)
- Operator health and overall workplace quality
Do Lithium Batteries Work in Winter?
Our LFP lithium batteries are designed to operate in extreme conditions, from -20°C to +50°C. Our systems include:
- Integrated heating
- Active thermal management
- High IP protection ratings
This ensures consistent performance even in mountain sites or areas with strong temperature fluctuations.
What Is the Long-Term Value of an Electric Construction Machine?
Electric machines offer a more stable and growing resale value compared to diesel equipment. Why?
- Battery lifespan is long and trackable
- Low-emission equipment is increasingly in demand
- The second-hand electric market is rapidly expanding
With Archimede Energia, you can regenerate or replace individual battery modules, extending the machine’s lifecycle.
Seamless Integration, Guaranteed Performance
As our mission states:
“We build high-performance lithium batteries designed for seamless integration.”
Every Archimede Energia solution is engineered to make life easier for OEMs, integrators, and rental companies. We offer custom and retrofit battery packs, supported by technical consulting, electrical validation, and certification assistance.
We’re the trusted partner for companies approaching the energy transition in construction—without compromise on performance, reliability, or safety.
The Construction Sites of the Future Are Electric
The electrification of construction equipment and industrial lifting machines is now a tangible opportunity for innovation and competitiveness.
Thanks to advanced technology, safety, and durability, lithium batteries are driving this transformation.
At Archimede Energia, we’re ready to guide companies and engineers through this transition, delivering tailored solutions for every application need.
Contact us to discover our range of lithium batteries for the construction industry—and start building your zero-emission site today.
