Harnessing new technology

摘要

Construction equipment that produces zero emissions are increasingly popular in the industry, with growing numbers of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) now manufacturing such equipment. Martin Lehner, chief executive officer of Wacker Neuson, says that the company has been producing zero emissions equipment for almost four years. As the company make small and compact equipment they are well placed to develop such products, and Lehner says that he views it as positive that increasing numbers of other OEMs are doing the same. "At Bauma I think we will see more electric-driven products from several other companies and these broader offerings are helping to bring the message faster that this really makes sense," he said. "We believe that, especially in Europe, there will be a fast switch to zero emissions in small and compact equipment. We will see a much different picture in the future than we do today." Lehner firmly makes the point though that anyone who talks about the need to ban diesel engines because of air pollution is missing the point. "Emissions have been reduced by 95% in off-road equipment over the last 15 years. Now in Europe Stage V is a further reduction, so to say that diesel engines can't be used because they aren't clean enough isn't the right way. "There are technologies available where it makes sense, both economically and environmentally, to have electric-driven products. However, we will see diesel engines in the future for a long time but with different types of solutions, such as hybrid and different fuels being used."