Buyer's Guide for Electric/Zero-Emissions Construction Equipment

Buyer's Guide for Electric/Zero-Emissions Construction Equipment

This guide will help buyers understand the benefits, key considerations, and important questions to ask when selecting electric skid steers, mini excavators, and wheel loaders.

Why Choose Electric Construction Equipment?

Lower Operating Costs – Reduced fuel expenses and fewer maintenance requirements.

Zero Emissions – Meets increasing environmental regulations.

Lower Noise Levels – Ideal for urban and noise-sensitive environments.

Improved Safety - Operators can hear and communicate with those around the work site.

Instant Torque & Efficiency – Provides responsive performance with fewer moving parts.

Incentives & Compliance – Many regions offer financial incentives for adopting electric equipment.

Electric Skid Steer

Battery Life & Charging Time – Ensure the machine has an efficiency determined by the Voltage, Amps, and configuration of electric motors along with hydraulic pumps. Ideally the manufacturer builds the machine, so that it can complete a full work shift.

However, due to the cost of electrical components, large EV batteries, and the labor costs associated with highly skilled EV manufacturing, most companies take shortcuts on battery capacity, which limits runtime to a maximum of 4 hours in most cases. 

Performance vs. Diesel Counterparts – Compare lifting capacity, breakout force, and cycle times.

Charging Infrastructure – Assess the availability of on-site charging and off grid charging options. Determine whether to purchase the charging apparatus or to purchase the energy as a service. 

Availability of Parts & Service – Ensure manufacturer warranty covers electrified equipment - Volts Warranty covers all electrification components, and is backed by a network of 30 locations to repair and service the machines if/when needed. 

Electric skid steer loaders are becoming a compelling alternative to traditional diesel models. They're not only better for the environment, but they can also lower operating costs, reduce noise, and improve jobsite flexibility. If you're a contractor, developer, municipality, or landowner evaluating electric skid steers, this guide is designed to walk you through every major consideration.

1. Battery Runtime

When evaluating an electric skid steer, it’s critical to understand how long the machine can operate under a typical workload. Ideally, it should last a full workday or have the option to recharge quickly between tasks. You’ll want to know the machine’s rated runtime in hours, its battery capacity in kilowatt-hours, and whether it offers features like swappable battery packs or compatibility with fast-charging systems. Some users also look into the ability to charge machines overnight using Level 2 chargers or during the day with mobile systems like SparkCharge or solar-powered Beam ARC units.

2. Lifting Power and Breakout Force

Electric skid steers must deliver the same lifting and pushing power as their diesel counterparts. Make sure you understand the Rated Operating Capacity (ROC), the tipping load, and the hydraulic performance. Machines should maintain strong breakout force and be capable of operating on uneven or sloped surfaces without any compromise in performance.

3. Cold Weather Operation

If you operate in colder climates, battery performance can be a concern. It’s important to know whether the machine includes battery temperature regulation systems, both for heating and cooling. Ask if the manufacturer guarantees consistent runtime during winter conditions, and whether the cab is enclosed and heated for operator comfort.

4. Incentives and Financial Support

Switching to electric can come with financial advantages. Many states, municipalities, and utilities offer rebates, tax incentives, or grants to offset the higher upfront cost of electric equipment. Check to see if your location qualifies for any clean energy or diesel-replacement programs. Some federal programs also provide significant funding toward electrification.

5. Attachment Compatibility

One concern buyers often have is whether their existing attachments will work with an electric machine. Look for models that use the standard universal quick attach system. Confirm that the machine has enough hydraulic power to run demanding attachments like augers or breakers, and ask how using attachments affects battery life. For high-tech attachments, some electric machines also support communication protocols like CAN Bus.

Charging Infrastructure

Beyond the machine itself, you need to think about how you’ll keep it powered. Determine if your shop or job site has access to Level 2 or DC fast chargers. For mobile sites, look into portable charging options or opportunity charging during lunch breaks. Services like SparkCharge deliver power directly to your site, and solar-based platforms like Beam ARC can support machines with clean overnight charging.

Maintenance and Service

Electric skid steers require less maintenance than diesel models. With no engine oil, spark plugs, or complex emission systems, they offer lower long-term service costs. You’ll want to understand what kind of warranty comes with the machine, particularly for the battery and drivetrain, and whether your provider offers local service support or remote diagnostics.

Operator Experience

Electric machines offer a superior operator experience in many ways. They run much more quietly, reduce vibration, and eliminate engine fumes. With instant torque, they provide smooth, predictable power. Look for machines with ergonomic cabins, digital displays, and features like climate control to keep operators comfortable and productive all day long.

Environmental Benefits

Electric skid steers produce zero emissions, which is a major benefit for indoor applications, municipal work, and projects in noise- or pollution-sensitive environments. Reducing air and noise pollution also improves relationships with surrounding communities and complies with increasingly strict local regulations.

Diesel vs. Electric: Head-to-Head Comparison

Diesel machines are loud, expensive to fuel, and high-maintenance. Electric models offer stable, low-cost electricity for power, minimal service needs, and quiet operation. While diesel equipment emits CO₂ and other pollutants, electric machines produce none. The operator experience is also better with electric—less heat, less vibration, and no cold-start issues in winter.

Common Use Cases for Electric Skid Steers

Electric models are ideal for urban construction where noise and emissions are a concern. Municipal maintenance crews benefit from their ability to operate quietly at night. They’re also perfect for indoor work, from warehouses to event centers. Landscapers appreciate how quietly they run in residential areas. Finally, they’re an excellent solution for enclosed spaces like tunnels, where diesel exhaust would be hazardous.

Mini Excavators

Switching from Diesel to Electric: Mini Excavators (1–5 Ton Class)

Introduction

Mini excavators are essential tools on construction sites, farms, and municipal projects. With advancements in battery technology and electric drivetrains, electric mini excavators are now viable alternatives to diesel machines — and in many ways, they offer clear advantages. If you’re considering the move from diesel to electric, this guide will help you evaluate the best fit for your operations.

Understanding Real-World Battery Endurance

For electric excavators, runtime under mixed duty is one of the most important metrics. In practice, an excavator doesn’t run at full power all day — there are idle periods, light digging, and repositioning. A well-designed electric excavator should be able to complete a full shift with a single charge. Pay close attention to the number of work hours the machine can deliver per charge based on your specific use case. Consider if the manufacturer provides real-world data or just theoretical numbers. Battery size in kilowatt-hours alone won’t tell the full story — you need to know how that energy is consumed across different workloads.

Hydraulics Without Compromise

One of the major concerns contractors have is whether an electric mini excavator can deliver the same hydraulic force and responsiveness as a diesel unit. In an electric model, the hydraulic system is typically powered by a high-efficiency electric motor and managed by software. Look at the flow rate and pressure ratings, and test the cycle times if possible. You should expect breakout force, swing torque, and arm speed to match or exceed traditional models in this weight class. Smooth, predictable response with minimal lag is key for trenching, lifting, or working near structures.

Tail Swing, Zero Emissions, and Tight Spaces

Mini excavators often operate in confined environments — backyards, inside warehouses, along sidewalks, and between buildings. Electric machines, especially those with zero tail swing, can operate in these areas more safely thanks to their compact dimensions and elimination of engine exhaust. Unlike diesel models, you won’t need to worry about fumes or idling noise when operating in residential zones, indoors, or in sensitive natural areas. This expands your ability to take on new types of work and bid on zero-emission-required projects.

Charging Strategy and Infrastructure Fit

Unlike larger equipment, mini excavators don’t require complex charging infrastructure. Most can be charged overnight using standard Level 2 charging — the same type of outlet used for electric cars. Some units even allow for direct 240V plug-in at job sites. If your team works multiple shifts or in remote areas, mobile charging solutions can provide opportunity charging between tasks or during lunch breaks. Be sure to evaluate how long the machine takes to reach an 80% charge and whether it supports fast-charging or battery swaps. Understanding this helps you plan workday schedules without downtime.

Operator Experience in Precision Tasks

Electric mini excavators offer smoother controls and less vibration than diesel units. This matters in fine grading, trenching near utilities, or working close to finished structures. Because electric motors deliver instant torque, the response of the boom, arm, and swing functions tends to be more precise. Operators are also less fatigued during long shifts due to the reduction in engine noise and vibrations. Many electric machines feature upgraded digital control interfaces and better climate control as well, especially in enclosed cabs.

Jobsite Versatility and Flexibility

An electric mini excavator can be used in places where diesel machines simply can’t go. This includes work inside hospitals, on rooftops, under bridges, in food facilities, or even inside homes during remodeling. The absence of harmful emissions and reduced noise means you can operate during off-hours, at night, or on environmentally sensitive sites. In urban environments where noise ordinances or green building certifications apply, electric excavators allow you to keep working without complaints or permitting issues.

Long-Term Ownership and Service

While the upfront cost may be higher, electric mini excavators offer meaningful savings over time. With no engine oil, coolant, fuel filters, or diesel particulate filters to maintain, ongoing service is minimal. You’re also far less likely to experience unplanned downtime from engine-related issues. The most significant component to monitor is the battery, and most manufacturers now offer extended warranties to cover battery performance. Over several years, the reduction in fuel and service costs can significantly outweigh the initial price difference.

Cold Weather Considerations

While cold climates can affect any battery-powered equipment, mini excavators are better prepared today. Many electric models now include onboard thermal regulation systems that pre-condition the battery during charging. Some also allow cab preheating while plugged in. These features ensure that performance doesn’t degrade on cold mornings and keep the operator comfortable without burning diesel for heat.

Who Benefits Most From Electric Mini Excavators

Contractors working in residential, municipal, or enclosed job sites will see immediate benefits. Landscapers, pool installers, utility contractors, and builders in green-certified developments will find electric excavators allow them to work longer hours, with fewer environmental restrictions. Municipalities and schools increasingly specify zero-emission equipment on bids, and electric excavators can provide a competitive edge in winning these contracts.

Wheel Loaders

Questions to Ask Before Buying

Introduction

Wheel loaders are workhorses across construction, agriculture, material handling, waste management, and municipal operations. As the industry shifts toward cleaner and more efficient solutions, battery-electric wheel loaders are quickly becoming a viable — and often superior — option. This guide helps you evaluate whether an electric wheel loader is right for your application, your crew, and your budget.

Load Capacity and Duty Cycle Matching

Electric wheel loaders must be matched not only by size but by the real power needed to cycle materials all day. When selecting an electric alternative, compare bucket size, rated load capacity, and cycle time under various loads. It’s important to know whether the battery and powertrain can support your expected number of loads per hour over an 8- to 10-hour shift. Some applications, like snow removal or compost work, involve sustained operation and heavy pushing — make sure your selected machine supports high-duty cycles without thermal limitations or performance drops.

Hydraulic and Drive Performance

One of the strengths of electric wheel loaders is their ability to deliver smooth, high-torque performance from a standstill. Because electric motors produce instant torque, these machines often accelerate more smoothly than diesel counterparts and perform better in short-cycle or stop-start applications. Look at lift speed, dump height, and breakout force — and make sure the hydraulic pump is electronically managed to avoid power surges or inefficiencies under load. If your job requires precision loading onto trucks or conveyors, the smoothness and predictability of electric loaders are major assets.

Charging Workflow and Site Integration

A key consideration for electric wheel loaders is how easily they can be charged within your existing workflow. Most electric models in this class support overnight Level 2 charging, and some allow DC fast charging for opportunity boosts during breaks or shift changes. If you’re working on large industrial sites, look into portable battery trailers or solar-powered charging platforms like Beam ARC. In fleet yards or material handling facilities, permanent chargers can be installed where loaders are parked each night. A well-integrated charging plan allows your loader to stay productive with minimal change to operations.

Material Handling in Sensitive Environments

One of the major advantages of electric wheel loaders is the ability to work in noise- or emissions-sensitive environments. Municipal recycling yards, composting sites, food-grade operations, and indoor material handling benefit from clean operation. There’s no diesel exhaust to contaminate air or materials, and operators enjoy lower cabin noise and no fumes. These loaders can work earlier or later in the day, closer to hospitals, schools, or residential areas — often expanding your operating hours or project eligibility.

Cab Comfort and Visibility

Because wheel loader operators spend long hours in the machine, comfort matters. Electric loaders offer a quieter ride, significantly reduced vibration, and clean, fume-free air. That contributes to less fatigue, better focus, and a safer work environment. In newer electric models, cabs are often designed with touchscreen interfaces, ergonomic seating, all-electric HVAC, and better visibility due to more compact powertrains. This improves not just comfort but operator performance and jobsite awareness.

Regenerative Systems and Efficiency Gains

Electric wheel loaders often include regenerative braking and intelligent hydraulic energy recovery, which boosts efficiency during repetitive loading tasks. These systems capture energy when decelerating or lowering loads and redirect it into the battery. Over time, this improves runtime and reduces charging demand. Smart energy management software also minimizes wasted energy by adjusting power flow based on load demand — something diesel machines can’t do.

Uptime and Predictable Maintenance

Wheel loaders are revenue-generating assets — downtime means lost profit. Electric models remove many of the common causes of mechanical failure: there’s no engine oil, turbo, DPF system, belts, or cooling hoses to deal with. Fewer moving parts mean fewer surprise failures. Scheduled maintenance typically consists of hydraulic fluid checks, brake inspections, and battery health monitoring. The simplicity of these systems allows for faster training of maintenance techs and more predictable service intervals.

Who Gains the Most

Municipal fleet managers looking to reduce fuel and maintenance budgets, construction companies operating in regulated emission zones, industrial material handlers working indoors, and developers bidding on green-certified projects all stand to gain with electric loaders. Clean, quiet, and increasingly powerful, these machines fit where diesel struggles. Whether your priorities are sustainability, operational uptime, or expanding jobsite eligibility, electric wheel loaders deliver.

Volt's Commitment to Electric Productivity

Volt Industrial Equipment designs fully electric wheel loaders that deliver uncompromising power, best-in-class operator experience, and real-world runtime for demanding jobs. Our machines are engineered for contractors, municipalities, and private operators who want next-generation performance without sacrificing reliability. From bucket work and truck loading to snow clearing and bulk material handling, Volt’s loaders are ready for the job — and for the future.

Telehandlers

Telehandlers — or telescopic handlers — are vital across construction, agriculture, warehousing, and infrastructure work. Their unique blend of lifting, extending, and carrying makes them one of the most versatile machines on the jobsite. With battery-electric models entering the market, many operators are beginning to realize that electric telehandlers aren’t just better for the environment — they can be more capable, quieter, and lower-maintenance than diesel machines. Here’s what you need to consider when making the switch.

Understand Lift Height, Reach, and Load Behavior

Telehandlers are defined by how far and how high they can place a load — often over obstacles or into multistory buildings. When choosing an electric model, it’s important to compare maximum lift height, horizontal reach, and rated load at full extension. Because electric motors deliver instant torque and support smoother hydraulic control, you'll find that electric telehandlers often provide better precision when placing materials at a distance. Look closely at the load chart for each machine and ensure the battery configuration doesn't limit performance at full outreach or in rough terrain.

Duty Cycle and Daily Runtime Expectations

The nature of telehandler work often includes extended idling, short bursts of movement, and lots of hydraulic activity — which suits electric power very well. Look for a machine with enough battery capacity to perform a full shift’s worth of work, even under varied usage. Some applications may only require a few hours of runtime per day, while others — like multi-floor material placement or staging for large builds — will need closer to 6–8 hours of active duty. Understanding your duty cycle helps you match battery size, motor output, and charging flexibility to your job.

Charging Logistics and Multi-Machine Coordination

On job sites where telehandlers work alongside other electric machines, charging logistics matter. Choose a model that supports overnight Level 2 charging as well as opportunity charging if you plan to run extended shifts. Some electric telehandlers can charge from standard 240V or construction power panels, while others support mobile DC fast charging. Plan for where and how charging will take place on your site — and look for built-in battery management systems that allow charging to pause and resume without damaging the battery or interrupting workflow.

Ground Clearance, 4WD, and Terrain Readiness

Electric telehandlers come in both compact and rough-terrain configurations. If you’re working on unimproved ground, gravel, snow, or slopes, make sure the machine includes all-wheel drive, heavy-duty tires, and proper ground clearance. Electric models with dual-motor systems or electronic torque vectoring can perform just as well, if not better, than diesel alternatives. Select a model designed for your terrain type — don't sacrifice mobility for emissions. Some electric models may have a lower center of gravity due to battery placement, improving stability on uneven ground.

Cab Design and Visibility

Because of the reduced engine noise and vibration, the operator experience in electric telehandlers is significantly better. Cab designs are often more compact, and there's no engine heat bleed, making climate control more efficient. When selecting a model, prioritize clear sightlines to the boom, forks, and rear corners, especially if you’re using the machine in tight spaces or among other trades. Some electric telehandlers come with digital displays, cameras, and advanced diagnostics to enhance safety and simplify operation.

Compatibility with Attachments and Quick Couplers

Telehandlers are multi-purpose by nature — they lift pallets, suspend trusses, scoop loose material, and more. If you already own attachments like buckets, man-baskets, or fork extensions, confirm that your electric machine supports standard quick-attach couplers or hydraulic interfaces. Some electric telehandlers offer auxiliary hydraulic flow powered by electric pumps. Make sure the system supports your most demanding attachments without lag or overheating. Also check if third-party attachments maintain their rated performance when used on electric power.

Zero Emission Zones, Indoor Use, and Community Work

Many job sites today — including schools, hospitals, commercial interiors, and government-funded builds — now require or prefer zero-emission equipment. Electric telehandlers allow you to work inside buildings or in sensitive public environments without noise or fumes. In these cases, electric isn’t just cleaner — it’s a necessity. You also gain flexibility to start earlier or work later without violating sound ordinances, which can reduce total project time. Indoor capability with no carbon monoxide risk opens new project types entirely off-limits to diesel machines.

Maintenance Differences and Ownership Simplicity

Electric telehandlers remove some of the most failure-prone systems found in diesel machines. There’s no engine oil, DEF system, air filters, or aftertreatment to monitor. Regular service involves checking the battery management system, hydraulic levels, and cooling fans. The brakes, motors, and electronics typically last longer and experience less mechanical wear. If your fleet operates in high-dust or high-usage environments, you’ll save significantly on both planned and unplanned service. Electric machines also reduce technician time and parts inventory.

Financial Incentives and Total Ownership Savings

While electric telehandlers may cost more upfront, the total cost of ownership often works out lower over time. Reduced fuel use, simplified maintenance, and access to rebates or tax credits all contribute to long-term savings. Many states and cities offer direct grants, low-interest loans, or tax deductions for zero-emission machinery. Some utilities even offer discounted rates for charging heavy equipment. You should also factor in job eligibility — especially in infrastructure and green development — which could allow you to take on contracts unavailable to diesel-only fleets.

Volt’s Purpose-Built Electric Telehandlers

Volt’s lineup of fully electric telehandlers is engineered to tackle real-world construction and logistics tasks. From ultra-compact models for indoor use to rough-terrain machines for full-scale builds, Volt offers machines with zero compromises in reach, lift, or cycle speed. Our products feature high-capacity lithium packs, advanced thermal management, and compatibility with industry-standard attachments. Designed for all-day runtime, effortless charging, and quiet operation, Volt telehandlers are made to work where diesel can’t