‘World’s first’ electric piling rig hits the market

The Junttan PMx2e electric pile driving rig

Hydraulic piling equipment specialist Junttan has launched what it says is the world’s first electric pile driving rig.

The Finland-based company’s Junttan PMx2e rig features two detachable 396kWh battery packs - that replace the counterweight - and a 266Kw electric motor, which together provide between 8 and 13 hours of use depending on project requirements. 

Intended to “mimic the use of a diesel engine rig as closely as possible”, the MPx2e piling rig incorporates the same design structure as Junttan’s PMx22 diesel model but produces no local emissions and “significantly less noise when moving across the construction site” for work on sites with “strict emission requirements”.

Additionally, the electric model uses less energy per pile and is said to deliver more power than comparable diesel rigs. 

Pasi Poranen, CEO of Junttan, said, “This new, electric pile driving rig demonstrates Junttan’s commitment to helping our customers build a more sustainable future around the world.” 

“After four years of research and development, we are bringing the future replacement of a diesel engine deep foundation machine to the market. PMx2e will empower our clients by massively reducing their CO2 emissions and environmental footprint.” 

Aarsleff Ground Engineering, the Swedish subsidiary of Danish construction firm Per Aarsleff, recently became the first to purchase the new battery-powered machine.

It estimates the machine will save around 35,000kg of CO₂ and 14,000 litres of diesel in a single year. 

Niclas Brogren, CEO of Aarsleff Ground Engineering, said, “It feels fantastic to finally be able to offer our customers a climate-smart alternative and a more climate-friendly construction site.” 

“It was, of course, a strategic decision at group level that the piling rig ended up right here in Sweden, but it feels really good to be one of the first Swedish piling contractors to meet the growing demand and interest for climate-smart solutions for piling work in the construction industry.”