California county adds Volvo electric compactor to fleet

Yolo County, California, is one of the first in the U.S. to incorporate a Volvo DD25 Electric compactor as part of its municipal fleet. Developed and build by Volvo Construction Equipment, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, the double-drum compactor will be used to compact soil, gravel and other base materials for road and foundation projects, as well as rolling out and leveling asphalt during road construction and resurfacing.

The Yolo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in 2020 to achieve a carbon-negative footprint by 2030. The county’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan outlines more than 180 actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience, including electrifying the county’s fleet of on- and off-road equipment.

“We’re taking a bold step forward in our commitment to sustainability by adding this electric compactor to our fleet,” says Lucas Frerichs, chair of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. “This pioneering addition not only supports our carbon-negative goal but also exemplifies our dedication to innovative solutions that protect our environment and improve the quality of life for our residents. We are proud to lead by example, showcasing how electrification can enhance operations while fostering a cleaner, greener future for our community.”

In addition to the DD25 Electric compactor, the team has six electric forklifts and two electric pickup trucks, with three more to come.

Ben Lee, fleet superintendent for County of Yolo Fleet Services, says county employees prioritize selecting and using equipment that aligns with the agreed-upon sustainability initiatives, so the small electric compactor was a logical choice.

“The DD25 Electric will help us achieve our goals in several ways,” Lee says. “By reducing emissions, lowering noise levels, being more energy efficient, improving working conditions and promoting environmentally friendly practices.”

The county used the Clean Off-Road Equipment voucher incentive program to purchase the compactor. The model boasts a 48-volt battery that provides about 33 horsepower and 24 kilowatt hours of available power.