From November 25 to 27, ENI, BMWT, and ElaadNL organize the first-ever test event for charging mobile electric construction equipment. The construction industry is moving towards zero emissions. As it transitions from fossil fuels to electricity, challenges such as standardizing charging processes arise. How can we ensure that all electric vehicles and equipment can be charged seamlessly? To address these issues, the first BuildZero Test Event takes place at the Elaad Test Lab in Arnhem.
In its recently published Outlook, ElaadNL predicts a significant increase in power demand for emission-free construction. One of the report’s key conclusions is that charging standardization is essential to scale up zero-emission construction. Currently, field experience shows that a standardized charging method is not yet the norm. Interoperability—ensuring that any emission-free mobile equipment can charge at any type of charging station—is a critical focus area within charging standardization.
To explore solutions, a unique collaborative initiative kicked off on Monday, November 25: ENI, BMWT, and ElaadNL host the three-day BuildZero Test Event at the ElaadNL Test Lab in Arnhem. Since its opening in 2022, the lab has been a hub for testing charging infrastructure, electric passenger vehicles, and e-trucks. During this inaugural event, tests will be conducted with construction vehicles, battery systems, and charging stations from different manufacturers.
Over the course of the event, participants will simulate the use of this equipment on a construction site in a controlled environment. They will conduct interoperability tests, share knowledge, and work on improvements where necessary. Additionally, inspiring speakers will share their expertise. If successful, the organizers aim to hold more BuildZero test days in the future.
By collaborating, grid operators (represented by ElaadNL) and the construction sector hope to take a significant step toward resolving the current challenges around charging. Together, they are paving the way for zero-emission construction!
About ENI Emissieloos Netwerk Infra (ENI) is an ecosystem of companies dedicated to accelerating the transition to emission-free operations. ENI collaborates with 45 frontrunners in the infrastructure sector (ranging from contractors and retrofitting companies to startups, suppliers, importers, and rental firms) to speed up the development of zero-emission construction equipment. ENI focuses on achieving this with an acceptable Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and based on uniform standards, enabling structural scalability.
ENI’s primary focus is on mobile and rolling equipment weighing over 20 tons, such as cranes, bulldozers, and piling rigs, which account for the majority of construction site emissions. Smaller mobile equipment weighing under 20 tons is increasingly available in emission-free options. ENI actively organizes and facilitates activities to consolidate demand and knowledge. Its efforts include ensuring proper procurement practices (to stimulate demand), defining technical equipment requirements, providing training, and addressing charging infrastructure needs on construction sites.
About BMWT BMWT is the trade association for importers and suppliers of construction machinery, warehouse systems, road construction machinery, and transport equipment. It serves as a knowledge hub for safe, expert, and sustainable operation of equipment. The BMWT certification ensures the quality of periodic safety inspections for equipment. Each year, over 360,000 machines undergo inspections under the BMWT standard.
BMWT is actively involved in “De Groene Koers” to realize the transition to zero-emission earth-moving equipment.
Nearly all major importers and suppliers in the field of work equipment are BMWT members. The association has over 100 members, and approximately 120 companies are certified to conduct inspections under the BMWT certification system.
About ElaadNL ElaadNL, the Dutch knowledge and innovation center, researches and tests smart and sustainable charging of electric vehicles. ElaadNL is an initiative of the joint Dutch grid operators. Through their involvement in ElaadNL, grid operators prepare for a future of electric mobility and sustainable charging.
ElaadNL tests the charging of vehicles ranging from passenger cars to electric buses and trucks, as well as the associated charging infrastructure. These tests are conducted at the open ElaadNL Test Lab in Arnhem, a meeting point for new models and innovations in electric vehicle charging and studies on interactions with the underlying power grid.