Scientists from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have studied a method to make the machines and vehicles in the fleet more efficient at both operational and energy levels. In particular, they experimented with their theories by using a hydraulic excavator with hybrid transmission. The concept underlying their experimentation is identical to that which has long been applied to cars, whereby a combination of different technologies makes energy storage and drive more efficient, as is the case for cars with a diesel or gasoline with electric drive.

By combining the different methods, an increase in efficiency and fuel savings are obtained at the same time, which not only translates into economic savings but also a reduction in emissions.

According to Niklas Bargen of the Institute of Vehicle System Technology, the excavator under study, with different types of hybridization, led to an 11% increase in efficiency when loading soil or debris, with a fuel saving of around 8%. By further recovering energy through regenerative braking systems similar to those of electric cars, an increase of 12.5% ​​in efficiency and a fuel saving of 9% was recorded.

However, hybrid technology is considered a springboard for the transition to the use of technology on an electric basis.