It’s the conversion people thought would never happen. Almost from its initial concept, the switch from gasoline- or diesel-powered engines to electric power has been rife with predictions of failure. Yet, today, recognizing the world’s need to greatly reduce dependence on fossil fuels, almost every major auto and truck manufacturer either offers an electric vehicle (EV) or has plans to debut one soon. 

That same level of forward thinking extends to today’s equipment manufacturers, many of whom are already seeing their EV machines at work at jobsites around the world. Inherently cleaner, quieter, cooler, and more efficient, electrification of the job site, like the embrace of mainstream EVs, is being seen for the positive change that it is. Here at SMS, we’ve long recognized the critical role EV machines will play in the push to decarbonization. To that end, we’ve established strategic partnerships with many of the OEMs who are so integral in successfully bringing this massive change to your job site.

Not all revolutions begin with a bang — some start with simple spark. Let SMS Equipment help you on your journey to electrification.
 

To meet the needs of customers who choose not to embrace full equipment electrification, the use of hybrid technology can be a viable alternative. Similar in concept to traditional hybrid passenger vehicles, hybrid heavy equipment captures the kinetic energy generated from repetitive motion (the swing of an excavator or the breaking action of an asphalt compactor, for example), converts it and uses it to charge onboard batteries. The result is reduced reliance on a dedicated equipment charging infrastructure, little to no loss of available power to the machine and a significant reduction in fuel usage, ultimately resulting in a cleaner operation. Alternative hybrid approaches include the use of two separate power sources — diesel and electric — in one machine. This allows for full electric operation when noise or fumes are a concern and diesel operation when they are not.

Working with major OEMs — some of whom have pioneered hybrid technology for heavy equipment — SMS Equipment can determine if this innovative solution should be a key component in your carbon reduction strategy, then help implement the changes. 

Contact SMS Equipment today to see if your journey to decarbonization should start with a trip down the “Hy-Way.” 
 

Diesel, once the dominant fuel source in mines and on job sites, is slowly being supplanted by alternatives. Driven by the push to decarbonization, both existing and emerging fuels are either poised to make an impact or are — as is the case with natural gas — already doing so. At SMS, we strive to stay abreast of continually evolving developments, see the applicability they hold for our customers, examine the breadth of variables that can impact each fuel’s degree of success on an operation, and provide the in-house expertise to bring it all to bear. 

Because there is no alternative to excellent support.