Relatively little driven, but still big impact

The construction industry faces major challenges in terms of sustainability. For Dura Vermeer, one of the most renowned construction companies in the Netherlands, the transition to emission-free work is a priority. The company underlines this with a recent order for eight fully electric Volvo trucks.

The first truck, a Volvo FMX 8x4R Electric, has been operational since July and has now covered some 15,000 kilometers. The remaining seven vehicles are under construction and will soon be deployed on various projects. The electric squeeze truck is a standout on the construction site and is described by Marco Tieleman, branch manager of Dura Vermeer Materieel, as "the grocer on every project." This versatile 4-axle truck is mainly used for inner-city work. Although the miles traveled are relatively limited, the impact is significant.

Smooth operation

"In the beginning, the driver was a bit uncertain whether the electric truck could run a full workday on one battery charge," Marco says. "It's mainly a matter of planning well and using the vehicle for the right work. Short trips are ideal, but you shouldn't drive back and forth to an asphalt plant or crusher ten times a day." According to him, the truck performs excellently. "The driving experience is extraordinary: noiseless, low-vibration and with very smooth operation. The coordination between the truck and the body is also perfect, which makes working with this vehicle a real pleasure."

The choice of Volvo Trucks is a conscious one, according to Marco. The Swedish brand offers a wide range of battery-electric models in different configurations. It was particularly important to Dura Vermeer that a total weight of 50 tons can be registered ex-factory. It also offers extensive support in coordinating with bodybuilders and suppliers. "You notice that Volvo Trucks really takes the lead in this process. They coordinate everything well with the parties involved, so that we as a customer do not have to be on top of everything. That's a relief, especially in a sector where customization is the norm."

Sustainable strategy

The cooperation with Volvo goes beyond purchasing. Dura Vermeer also maintains close ties with Volvo Group Truck Center in Amsterdam and Gorinchem. This is where the vehicles are not only built but also maintained. This relationship is an important part of Dura Vermeer's broader sustainability strategy. With its own fleet of more than twenty trucks, eighteen of which are Volvos, the company is explicitly committed to sustainability. At the same time, it asks subcontractors to do the same by investing in innovative technology.

"About 90% of the machines running on our projects are hired," said the equipment company's site manager. "We want to be able to offer at least one emission-free variant of each machine type. As a major builder, we have to set a good example in this, of course." Dura Vermeer is not only working on sustainability on a project basis, especially for inner-city works, but has also set clear policy goals to include staff and subcontractors in the transition. The company aims to work completely emission-free by 2030.

Hand on the line

"We learn a lot about charging infrastructure on construction sites," Marco explains. "Sometimes we set up temporary charging plazas so that everything runs smoothly. We also look at how zero-emission equipment competes with conventional alternatives in terms of hourly rates." The transition is not without obstacles. "There is often too little power available and even though more and more clients are willing to pay extra for sustainability, unfortunately this is not yet true for everyone. In terms of equipment, projects are not always profitable and the government is increasingly keeping a tight rein on its purse strings. This makes it challenging to implement our Net Zero strategy, even though promises have been made to clients."

The Volvo FMX 8x4R Electric has already proven that electric transport is a perfect fit for urban projects. Equipped with three electric motors, good for a combined output of 490 kW (666 hp), and a 450 kWh battery pack, this 4-axle is ideal for clean and quiet transport. The five batteries are charged overnight at Dura Vermeer's depot. The remaining seven trucks will have a battery capacity of 540 kWh. This increases the driving range to 250 to 300 kilometers, making the vehicles usable on even more projects. "More range means less charging stress," Marco says with a laugh.

Specific role

Different configurations will be delivered and each vehicle will have a specific role within Dura Vermeer's fleet. One FMX 6x2R Electric will soon be used as a second emission-free squeeze truck, both FMXs 4x2R Electric will work as adhesive/emulsion spraying trucks in road construction and three FHs 8x4R Electric will serve as earth tippers on the Tiel-Waardenburg dike reinforcement project. These vehicles can recharge at the nearby Watthub site in Geldermalsen. Completing the order is an FM 6×2 Electric tipper truck with truck-mounted crane. The order for eight electric Volvo trucks shows that Dura Vermeer is investing heavily in a cleaner future.

Marco: "We constantly look at how we can set up assignments efficiently and look for nearby parties with sufficient charging capacity. By making agreements with them about purchasing power during the project, often with a duration of three to four years, the charging process is better structured." With these steps, the construction group is not only responding to clients' demands, but also actively working toward its own goals. The cooperation with Volvo Trucks proves that sustainability and productivity can go hand in hand. Dura Vermeer remains a pioneer on the road to a greener construction industry.