eABG Jobsite Story Colas

On several construction sites around Strasbourg, Colas has been testing two 100% electric road machines. The first is the electric paver, eABG 4820 by Ammann Group, and the second is a tandem roller, the eARX 26.

Colas' initiative in Strasbourg aims to assess the real capabilities of these new technologies in reducing the impact of urban construction sites, where pollution, noise, and odor nuisances are particularly significant.

The eABG 4820 paver prototype is designed for a theoretical full-day work autonomy under normal operating conditions. However, road construction involves many variables, such as asphalt layer thickness, asphalt composition, and weather conditions. This machine is expected to be available on the market by the end of 2025.

As for the eARX 26 tandem roller from Ammann, a production model that has already been commercially available for a year, its proven design ensures the same performance as its conventional fuel-powered counterpart. The 2.6-ton, 1.2-meter-wide eARX 26-2 is specifically designed to operate electrically, with only its steering system remaining hydraulic.

Two large electric motors, located on either side of the drum, power both movement and vibration. An energy recovery system is activated when the roller stops or when the vibration is deactivated. In such cases, the electric motors continue generating energy, which is then sent to the battery pack to extend its autonomy. The 31.5 kWh battery pack can be recharged either via the onboard charger (50A) in 12 hours or with an external charger (200A) in 3.5 hours. The multi-frequency vibration system, ranging from 55 to 66 Hz, provides a compaction force of 29 to 41 kN. The use of a low voltage of 48 volts minimizes the risk of injury during operation and maintenance.

To ensure optimal handling and avoid any risk of damage or operational errors, specific team training is mandatory before the first use of these electric machines.

A Dual Environmental and Social Benefit

The deployment of these electric machines aligns fully with the energy transition and innovation strategies of Colas and ABG by Ammann Group. By significantly reducing CO₂ emissions, these machines actively contribute to the group’s carbon neutrality goals. Moreover, their use helps to limit noise pollution—an essential factor in improving the working conditions of crews and the quality of life for residents, particularly in dense urban areas.

"We are committed to rethinking our methods to reduce the carbon footprint of our construction sites while improving the comfort of our teams and local residents. Deploying these electric machines is a key step toward a more sustainable model, where reducing CO₂ emissions and noise pollution becomes a priority. Testing these machines in real conditions allows us to validate their effectiveness and consider their future large-scale deployment," explains Karen Boniface, Head of Energy Performance at Colas Nord-Est.

"This partnership with Colas provides us with a valuable opportunity to test our prototype in diverse and demanding conditions. Through these real-world trials, we are refining our technologies to ensure optimal performance while facilitating their adoption by teams in the field," says Judith Ronden, Key Account Manager at ABG by Ammann Group.