BAM Infra takes electric tandem roller into service via New Electric

"BAM Infra has a great ambition when it comes to sustainable construction. For four years now we have been declaring our desire to become one of the most sustainable companies - if not the most sustainable - in our sector. To reinforce that ambition, we are increasingly investing in emission-free equipment, including the world's first electric 9-ton tandem vibratory roller with a fixed battery pack."

This is Iwan Trompert, manager Asphalt/ Equipment at BAM Infra Nederland. He looks with pride at the New Electric converted Hamm HX90i tandem vibratory roller, which is experiencing its official baptism of fire under the smoke of Schiphol Airport. Although the roller is still at the beginning of its sustainable existence, the machine is already convincing and puts a smile on everyone's face. Incidentally, it is not the first electric roller for the leading construction company. Already 4.5 years ago, BAM surprised friend and foe by putting into operation a self electrified HW90.

"Such a three-roller, of course, does trump simplicity," Iwan knows. "With a static roller, it's just a matter of replacing the diesel engine with an electric motor with battery pack and go." The wish list also included an emission-free tandem vibratory roller, but that's quite a challenge. And because our equipment department has other priorities than converting machines, we ended up with New Electric for this via our regular supplier Wirtgen Group. From the first moment there was a good click to electrify a Hamm oscillating roller and Vögele asphalt spreader together."

Large asphalt set

With support from Wirtgen, this has resulted in the world's first large zero-emission asphalt set, consisting of a Vögele Super 1800/3 finisher with a fixed LFP battery of 220 kWh plus 275 kWh changeover package and a Hamm DV70, which has 220 kWh battery capacity. The set was first deployed in late 2022 and provides massive reductions in consumption and emissions. Based on 180 rotational days of 8 to 12 hours, some 55,000 liters of diesel will be saved. BAM has calculated to emit more than 140 tons less CO2 annually, and thus also less nitrogen plus particulate matter.

"You do sustainability together," judges Anne Kloppenborg, founder of New Electric. "In the field of electric propulsion, no one has to teach us anything. We have been doing that since 2008 and since then many zero-emission feed, boats and implements up to 100 tons total weight have been conceived and built by us. However, often the support of the original manufacturer and the end user is important to achieve the best end result, especially with construction equipment. There are now products on the road that we are proud of and that make customers happy. This tandem vibratory roller is just right from A to Z."

Overcapacity

The NE-HX90i Roller was developed by New Electric based on two principles. The 9-ton tandem vibratory roller must be able to operate for at least a full working day and its controls are identical to those of diesel versions, so that every operator can handle it. A compact 202 kWh battery pack guarantees optimal sightlines from the cab and, in combination with an efficient heat pump, provides sufficient overcapacity to run for a day, even in extreme cold or on a slope. Under normal conditions, that is easily one and a half working days. Recharging can be done with either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC fast charging).

In the new production facility in Breukelen, New Electric's electric drive line is directly linked to four hydraulic pumps - which also rotate in the original direction - and to the Hamm control system. Anne: "Thanks to the manufacturer, we were able to penetrate deep into the machine, making the interplay of endless computers and sensors perfectly matched." Iwan adds: "Feelingly, this is an ex-factory machine. The roller feels like a diesel, but responds faster and is much quieter. Less noise and vibration also increase safety on projects."

Mets and buts

With the NE-HX90i-Roller, BAM is taking a further step towards an emission-free future, which Iwan says is supported from the management. "When I request a Stage V machine on HVO diesel, I am immediately told if there is not a more sustainable alternative. There used to be ifs and buts for electrification, but that has been completely reversed." Anne: "We are not standing still. From our know-how and love for machines, we try to offer added value in the energy transition. Sharing knowledge is crucial here. That's how we stay ahead of OEM manufacturers, who won't come up with an answer for three to five years. By then, New Electric will have taken the necessary steps in terms of efficiency, reliability, safety and efficacy."