Epiroc has supplied multiple battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to the AF Ghella joint venture for water tunnel construction in Oslo, Norway. 

This deployment marks the debut of Epiroc's BEVs in the civil construction sector.  

Epiroc Underground division and Sales & Marketing vice-president Sarah Hoffman said: “Epiroc’s battery-electric machines are being increasingly utilised in underground operations, generating significant benefits including reduced emissions, lower noise, less heat and vibration, and significantly increased productivity.” 

AF Ghella, a collaboration between Norway's AF Gruppen and Italy's Ghella, was established specifically for this initiative in September 2022. 

Since May 2023, AF Ghella has been operating several of Epiroc's material-handling BEVs under the batteries as a service model.  

The fleet includes six Minetruck MT42 SG machines and one Scooptram ST14 SG loader.  

These vehicles are in operation for the construction of the new tunnelling network for drinking water distribution across the city.  

AF Anlegg project director Nils Ola Hoff said: “AF Ghella chose equipment from Epiroc for several reasons. There has been and is a close collaboration with Epiroc since many years, and AF Ghella is well-acquainted with both the organisation and their products.  

“Epiroc was able to deliver equipment in a short time, which was especially important in this project.” 

Oslo Municipality mandated the use of non-emission machinery for the project since May 2023.  

The construction project, which began in 2022, is expected to reach completion by 2027.  

Prior to the introduction of its BEVs, Epiroc's Boomer face drilling rigs were already in use at the site.