Norway sees surge in electric construction machinery use

Norway is seeing a significant shift toward electric construction machinery as battery-powered equipment demonstrates performance comparable to diesel models in heavy-duty tunnel projects. Statens vegvesen (the Norwegian Public Roads Administration) reports that test runs on the E6 and E134 highways have been successful, leading the agency to consider stricter requirements for electric operation in future projects.

In the Rismålsheitunnel, Skanska utilized a 40-ton battery-powered wheel loader from Chinese manufacturer XCMG. Following positive results, Skanska has ordered a larger 60-ton model to meet higher capacity needs. Operators noted that the electric machines performed as well as, if not better than, their diesel counterparts.

This technological advancement coincides with a surge in green investments. Enova reports that 2026 has become a record year for electric construction machinery, with 502 machines receiving support so far. To accelerate the transition, Enova increased its maximum support rate from 40 to 60 percent of the extra cost incurred when choosing electric over diesel. This shift aims to reduce local pollution and noise while helping emission-free technology reach market profitability.