Frequently Asked Questions

 

Find answers to commonly asked questions about electrification, battery safety, our electric heavy equipment, and more. These answers will help you assess the benefits of switching to electric heavy equipment and determine if it’s right for your business.

What Is HEVI?

HEVI Corp is a leading brand of clean, all-electric heavy equipment and construction machinery.  We are a US based business with headquarters in New Jersey and assembly facility in Maryland.  The mission of HEVI is to provide clean and sustainable alternatives to the traditional heavy emission diesel machinery on job sites across America.  We are proud to be the first company to commercially offer this technology within the United States.

Learn more about HEVI at our About Us page.

What are the advantages of all electric heavy equipment vs. diesel machines?

Switching to electric equipment offers numerous benefits for your business compared to traditional diesel machinery, including:

Lower carbon footprint

Supports the environment and helps organizations reach their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

Quiet operation

Reduces noise 60% or more compared to traditional diesel machines.

Zero emissions

– Reduces health risks to operators, the local community and the local environment.

Reduced maintenance

– 60% less maintenance, resulting in a much greater return on investment (ROI) for organizations and lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

What are the main drivers behind electric heavy equipment?

Cost Efficiency

Our lithium battery technology has advanced to the point where in many scenarios our machines have lower operational costs when compared to traditional diesel construction machinery.  This is due to long battery life, low cost of electricity and easy maintenance.

Increased Regulation

Many job sites across America are facing tightening carbon emission regulations.  In addition, there are growing corporate efforts to develop cleaner operations for their business through Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and targets.  HEVI supports these businesses by offering options to meet their sustainability goals and stay above environmental regulations.

Operator Safety

All-electric heavy equipment offers new levels of safety on the job site. No operating emissions make the equipment perfect for indoor activity without worry about emissions in an enclosed space. Significantly less vibrations leads to operator comfort and focus. And lastly, 60% less noise during operation allows greater situational awareness for the operator to avoid tragic accidents.

What are the most suitable applications for electric heavy equipment?

Our all electric heavy equipment is best utilized on static sites, yards and operations where our machinery is able to access a charging source when the batteries are low. For example, a landscaping business utilizing our electric front loader to load mulch and material into a customer’s vehicle. Or an indoor waste transfer station to move and sort without worrying about emissions in an enclosed space due to zero emission operation.

These benefits make our equipment ideal for industries such as:

  • Agriculture
  • Property management
  • Construction
  • Waste management
  • Municipal
  • Mining
  • Warehousing
  • Manufacturing
  • Indoor Demolition
  • Landscaping

How expensive is the operation of HEVI electric heavy machinery?

In many cases, our electric machines cost less to own and operate than a comparable diesel machine.  This is due to the low cost of electricity, idle efficiency and low maintenance costs.  This can lead to savings greater than $30,000 annually in diesel and maintenance costs per machine.

How much quieter is electric heavy equipment compared to diesel?

Heavy electric equipment is much quieter than traditional diesel counterparts, reducing noise by 60% or more. This advantage provides a safer and less disruptive work environment and better communication among coworkers.

How do you charge all-electric heavy equipment?

HEVI’s electric front-end loaders and excavators can be charged with a Level 3 DCFC charging station or HEVI’s own line of mobile charging units like the DCH220-10 that comes standard with each new purchase.

HEVI equipment uses the standard CCS1 charging connection, commonly available at EV charging systems like EVGo, Electrify America, and Siemens eMobility.

Why is lithium the best option to power my electric heavy equipment?

While, generally speaking, lithium-ion batteries are the best option today, there are several different types of lithium-ion battery that affect performance. We believe that electric equipment of this size is best served by LFP (LiFePO4 Lithium Ferrophosphate) batteries. These lithium-ion batteries represent superior performance and cost-efficiency, as well as the best overall lifespan compared to the other lithium-ion battery types.

Can I repair my electric heavy equipment myself?

We believe in the right to repair. That’s why we don’t require long-term service contracts and we actively support owners and customers in performing their own repairs. However, when it comes to battery system maintenance, we recommend seeking professional consultation to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your equipment.

Can hydrogen power my electric heavy equipment?

No, HEVI does not offer or produce any hydrogen powered heavy machinery.  The infrastructure for hydrogen power is insufficient for everyday users. Hydrogen refill stations are very sparse, and setting up an on-site hydrogen generation system is well outside the budget of most organizations.

Is the torque different when compared to a diesel?

Yes!  HEVI electric machinery produces instant torque when operating.  Torque delivers immediate power from a stationary position, eliminating build-up time and allowing electric front-end loaders and excavators to swiftly handle heavy loads and improve efficiency. It also enables quick start-up and stoppage, ideal for tasks with frequent changes in motion or challenging terrains, enhancing performance and productivity.

How long do batteries in electric heavy equipment typically last on a single charge?

The duration of the lithium batteries in our electric heavy equipment varies on factors such as the type of equipment, usage habits, and operational conditions. In most applications, our batteries deliver up to 9 hours of operation time on a single charge at 60% rated load.

How long does it take to fully recharge the battery on electric heavy equipment?

The calculation to determine the time required to fully recharge the battery on electric heavy equipment can be derived by dividing the battery capacity by the charger output.

For instance, a lithium battery with a 141 kWh capacity:

  • Using a DCH220-10 charger with an output of 10kW, charging takes 14.1 hours.
  • Using a charger with an output of 30kW, charging takes as few as 4.7 hours.

The above calculations provide just an estimate, and actual charging times can vary based on the specific machine and chosen charging method. Visit our equipment page and click the model you are interested in to learn more.

How does the battery perform in different climate conditions?

While all lithium batteries can exhibit slight differences in extreme temperatures, the large battery in our HEVI equipment is designed to operate reliably across various weather conditions, including cold temperatures.

In hotter climates, the battery might emit extra heat, but our advanced thermal management systems (TMS) maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating, ensuring your electric heavy equipment remains efficient and reliable.

What safety measures are in place for the battery?

Our heavy electric equipment features a battery that incorporates extensive safety measures. They include a state-of-the-art thermal management system (TMS) that actively monitors and regulates the battery temperature, preventing overheating and optimizing performance. The battery is also housed in a durable, half-inch-thick steel cage to protect against external impact, theft or damage.
These safety features work together to safeguard the battery and the equipment, allowing you to operate safely in all conditions.

What kind of maintenance is needed for electric heavy equipment?

A significant advantage of our EV heavy equipment is its significantly reduced maintenance needs. Our equipment can decrease scheduled maintenance requirements by 60% or more compared to traditional diesel counterparts, offering you more uptime and cost savings.

Is there a performance difference between electric heavy equipment and equivalent diesel models?

All HEVI equipment has been designed based on conventional construction equipment to maintain familiarity and ease of use, with the key change being the replacement of diesel components with innovative electric technology. This electric technology equips our machines to deliver comparable, if not superior, performance levels to similar-sized diesel models.
As a result, users can experience the efficiency and reliability they are accustomed to while benefiting from the environmental advantages and cost savings electric machines offer.

Do I buy an electric loader or excavator direct from you or a dealer?

HEVI offers a direct-to-customer sales model that’s fast, cost-effective and ensures a seamless purchasing experience for you.

What happens to the battery at the end of its life?

At HEVI, our aim is to achieve a closed-loop manufacturing process. This means that our batteries are specifically designed with recycling and repurposing options in mind when they reach the end of their lifespan.
Through our partnership with Princeton NuEnergy, a pioneering clean-tech company, we leverage the capabilities of high-temperature plasma to extract valuable materials from the spent batteries of our vehicles. This collaboration contributes to more significant resource conservation and fosters environmental sustainability.

I have more questions about HEVI

We’re happy to provide more answers. Reach out to us by visiting our Contact Us page.

How can I stay up to date with HEVI news and announcements?

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