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Peab Tackled One of the Toughest Challenges in Electrification – And Succeeded: A Fully Electric Asphalt Paver is Now Being Tested in Sweden.
In this feedback interview, we reflect on the Highway e-Paver collaboration and explore how it shapes the future of sustainable roadbuilding.
Upplands-Bro. Steam rises as Peab lays asphalt on a chilly November day—but it’s just that: steam from the hot asphalt. The paver spreading the material produces no emissions at all.
"This is the very first fully electric, factory-built paver of this size," says Niklas Engblom, Peab Asphalt’s Head of Machinery.
Peab is constructing a new commercial area in Bro, and this quiet prototype is undergoing its first long-term test. Over four weeks, it will pave parking areas, loading docks, and roads.
The machine, an Ammann paver in the larger category, has been named eABG 4820. As the name suggests, it wasn’t originally an Ammann product. When the project began in 2020, Peab and Volvo ABG joined forces. However, when Volvo sold its paving business to Ammann earlier this year, the Swiss company inherited the project and is now bringing it to completion together with Peab.
Niklas Engblom and Björn Persson have been involved in the process from start to finish.
"Peab was looking for a development project—something that would contribute to the industry's climate transition—and Volvo ABG was on board," Engblom explains.
Now that the paver has moved from concept to reality, he sees the result as a major success.
"It's exciting and rewarding to have brought this project to completion. We’ve worked hard and learned a lot."
One of the Toughest Machines to Electrify
Volvo and Peab tackled one of the most challenging machines in the fleet.
"Nothing comes easy with a paver," Engblom says.
"Pavers consume a tremendous amount of energy. They typically move at six meters per minute, never brake, never roll freely meaning there's no opportunity to regenerate energy as with a wheel loader or an excavator."
A paver also plays a crucial role in the asphalt laying process.
"It’s the heart of the operation, so making it electric was both exciting and challenging."
Throughout the project, Peab contributed insights and requirements.
"We worked closely to make electric operation feasible," says Engblom.
"Our input focused on production efficiency, ensuring the machine was designed correctly," adds Björn Persson, Deputy Manager at Peab in Central Sweden.
The result is a paver with a five-meter screed and a maximum battery capacity of 270 kW, of which approximately 210–220 kW is usable, explains Jonathan Stille, Aftermarket Service Manager at Ammann.
After the first test day, he is very satisfied.
"Yesterday, we paved for six hours and laid down several tons of asphalt. Despite that, we only used 60% of the battery," he reports.
Designed for Electrification
The electric paver is factory-built at Ammann's facility in Hameln, Germany, using the existing chassis of the diesel-powered version to streamline production.
"It was crucial that it could be built within the production line; otherwise, it would have taken too long," says Engblom.
The paver is considered an ideal size for electrification. Smaller machines lack the space for large batteries, while larger ones require excessive energy that is difficult to supply via battery power, Stille explains.
"This machine is well-suited for parking lots, residential areas, and both small and large roads."
The sun is shining, but the air is cold on this November day. Is this really the right time to test asphalt paving with winter approaching?
"The schedule was slightly delayed, but there’s value in testing the machine in different climates, even in colder conditions," says Persson.
Next Steps
Now, the plan is for the machine to take on different projects. In Bro, it’s tackling urban paving. After four weeks, it will move on to other Peab projects across Sweden, where it will test larger roads and longer paving cycles.
"So far, things are going very well," Engblom summarizes.
By Christmas, the paver will have completed its Swedish tests and will return to the Hameln factory for a final evaluation.
In April, it will be showcased at the Bauma trade fair in Germany, and after that, it will hopefully be ready for market launch.
Could Peab be the first customer?
"Not impossible. A machine like this would be highly useful for urban jobs and municipal roads," says Engblom.
Peab has already introduced hybrid and electric rollers into its fleet and is eager to start with an electric paver, with plans to expand over time.
However, having good electric machines isn't enough—charging infrastructure must also be in place.
"Here, we have access to chargers, but on other sites, it could be more complicated," says Persson.
Machines also need to run full workdays to be viable, Engblom points out.
"That might require new planning strategies to ensure charging infrastructure is in place. It’s easier in cities than in remote locations."
Despite these challenges, Peab remains committed to an electrified future.
"We are moving forward with electrification across all machine categories. We have a clear goal and continue learning along the way," says Engblom.
The Cost Challenge
As everyone knows, electric machines are significantly more expensive than their diesel counterparts. For contractors, this can be financially challenging, as clients do not always pay extra for cleaner machines.
"Everyone wants greener solutions, but cost remains a barrier," Engblom acknowledges.
"We strive to be at the forefront and drive change, but it’s important that everyone makes an effort—waiting isn’t an option."
"Some climate incentives exist, but the industry needs more to maintain momentum."
Peab's Electric Combination: Paver, Roller, and Plate Compactor
When Peab introduced the electric paver for long-term testing, they also demonstrated an electric roller and an electric plate compactor.
Peab's projects included a 2.5-ton Ammann eARX 26 electric roller, launched in 2023.
"We have five of these in Sweden," says Magnus Rockler, Sales Manager for the Nordics and Baltics.
The roller is designed to run for two full workdays on a single charge.
"These machines typically operate five hours a day, so one charge lasts for ten hours of work," Rockler explains.
He also highlights the long battery lifespan:
"The battery supports 3,000 charge cycles. Charging every other day results in about 150 cycles per year—meaning the battery lasts for many years."
Also in action was the Ammann eAPT 12/50 electric plate compactor, weighing approximately 100 kg.
"We've sold ten units in Sweden, and it’s surprising that more companies haven’t adopted them yet," Rockler says.
The compactor’s battery is easily replaceable and can be charged using a standard wall outlet.
"The battery lasts for 30 minutes, and swapping it is quick and simple."
Looking ahead, Ammann plans to launch a 750 kg fully electric plate compactor.
"The goal across the entire industry is to reduce emissions and fulfill the Paris Agreement. We need action across all sectors," Rockler concludes.