We make electric work as simple as diesel

Fusion, Staad's charging infrastructure brand, is in full swing with the transition to zero-emission construction sites. Charging infrastructure specialist Berend Buil explains how Energy as a Service (EaaS) and the innovative Powerbox 300 provide cost and energy sufficiency certainty for zero-emission projects.

Transition to emission-free is in full swing

The transition to zero-emission construction equipment is well underway, but many operators are still struggling with practical implementation, such as high procurement costs and uncertainty about energy supply. Through the brand Fusion Staad, known for electric earthmoving machines, offers solutions beyond the machine itself. "With Staad, we sell earth-moving equipment," begins Berend Buil. "Because our patented batteries can also provide energy outside of the machine, we created a separate branch for this to provide people with a power source that can be used compactly, off-grid."

Fusion thus focuses on the complete power supply around electrical equipment on the construction site. "Often with earthmoving you are the first on a job without a grid connection," Buil explains. "If you still want to work electrically, then a complex energy, logistics and charging infrastructure comes into play. With Fusion, we help with that, by organizing both the charging infrastructure (hardware) and the logistics."

Unburdening at its core

The key word at Fusion is "unburdening. Many contractors balk at working electrically, not because the machines aren't there, but because they don't know how to manage the power supply cost-effectively and reliably. "Electric machines are more expensive to buy than diesel," Buil acknowledges. "But power is often cheaper. It's all about how you still have enough power capacity at the end of the day that is also affordable for the project. If contractors have that confidence, they will make the switch."

That's where Energy as a Service (EaaS) is just around the corner. EaaS is a complete service where Fusion delivers the energy needed to the desired location. "Our goal is to unburden you so much that your workday might be even easier than with a diesel," Buil continued. "You contact us and specify how much energy you need. We think with you how best to set this up so you have enough full batteries with any inverters or Fieldmasters. We place these at the desired location with paved surfaces so the customer can get to work worry-free."

The power of price certainty

The widely varying charging costs in the market play a role in this. "TNO research shows that costs range from 60 cents to as much as 2 euros 50 per kilowatt hour," reveals Buil. "That's a huge difference. For a full Powerbox (about 385 kWh), this can mean a difference of up to 700 euros per day."

This huge difference, according to Buil, is not in the hardware, but purely in the logistics. "Will I get it logistically arranged at an acceptable price? That's the question. So some contractors spend hundreds of euros a day more than others." Fusion wants to avoid this by having a predictable, fixed price. "With us, you can request the energy cost before a tender, and then we guarantee that you can go ahead and use it for that price." This price guarantee is a game changer. "If you know what it costs, you know what you have to charge to come out positive at the bottom of the line. Then you also dare to bid on electric projects," Buil states. Fusion notices that sometimes contractors are afraid to tender because of uncertainty about the power supply. "If they come to us at that point, we can explain how we assist and unburden them."

Innovating in efficiency: Powerbox 300

To make electric work more accessible, Fusion introduces the Powerbox 300. "The difference with the Powerbox 400 is that instead of 400 kWh - you have 300 kWh. Also, the Powerbox 300 has a built-in AC connection, leaving you alone for DC still need an inverter/fieldmaster," Buil explained.

With smart innovations based on practical experience, the Powerbox 300 is a great addition to Staad's battery line. The Powerbox 300 includes the latest features, such as an integrated central lifting eye that makes safe hoisting a simple one-man job. This makes the Powerbox 300 a more compact solution.

Working together for success

Fusion provides its EaaS and Powerboxes for all makes of electric equipment. "We can actually charge all machines," Buil says. The advantage at Staad machines however, is the quick, instant battery change. "With our own machines, you change the battery in about five minutes. Then you can go right back on." Other brands require regular charging time.

To maximize efficiency, Fusion likes to see contractors involve them early. "The earlier, preferably at the tender stage, the better," Buil emphasizes. "Then we help think through the energy strategy and costs, which gives contractors confidence to bid competitively." The full load logistics service will officially be offered on a large scale starting July 1, 2025, but customers can inquire about the options now.

Experience Fusion at TKD 2025

The future of zero-emission building is electric, but the key lies in power control. Fusion, with EaaS and the new Powerbox 300, is making great strides in making that control accessible. Visitors to the Technische Kontakt Dagen (TKD) can experience this for themselves.

"We will be at TKD with Fusion at Staad's booth," Buil confirms. "There we will show the new Powerbox 300, among other things, demonstrate how simple and efficient electric work can be, and present a first. We cordially invite everyone to our booth (number 42) to discuss the possibilities."