Danfoss, the Scottish engineering firm, has unveiled a digital hydraulic system engineered for electric construction equipment that delivers substantial efficiency gains. The new pump reduces battery energy consumption by 35 percent while extending runtime by more than 50 percent.

The system targets a critical weakness in electrified heavy machinery. Electric excavators, loaders, and other hydraulic equipment drain batteries quickly because traditional pump designs waste energy through heat and inefficient pressure regulation. Danfoss solved this by digitizing the hydraulic circuit, enabling precise pressure modulation that matches actual load demands rather than running at constant pressure.

This matters in construction and demolition, where equipment downtime directly impacts project costs. A 50 percent runtime extension cuts charging cycles dramatically. On a job site, that translates to fewer battery swaps, faster work completion, and lower operational expense per machine-hour. Battery packs remain the costliest component in electric construction equipment, so efficiency improvements delay the need for replacement or additional units.

The technology arrives as OEMs race to electrify their heavy equipment fleets. Caterpillar, Volvo, and JCB have all launched electric variants of popular excavators and wheel loaders. However, electrification remains challenged by limited range and runtime. Contractors still view diesel machines as more practical for all-day work. A 50 percent runtime boost narrows that gap considerably.

Danfoss positions this as a modular retrofit solution, meaning existing electric machines could potentially receive system upgrades. That potential aftermarket appeal extends the addressable market beyond new equipment sales.

The 35 percent battery energy reduction also cuts total cost of ownership. Smaller batteries could power the same equipment for the same duration, reducing upfront capital spend. Alternatively, larger batteries could operate machines through full workdays without midshift recharging.

Danfoss has already begun testing