Accelerating the sustainable transformation of both construction and motorsport, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is helping to build the FIA World Rallycross (World RX) Championship racetrack in Hong Kong using electric construction solutions in just eight days
The FIA all-electric World RX championship final races will draw rallycross race teams from all over the world. Additionally, it will be the first time Hong Kong, China, has seen the series. The first-ever city centre backdrop, the circuit's distinctive layout set against the skyscrapers and busy streets of the city, is sure to heighten the high-speed excitement.
As the official track building partner, Volvo CE is utilising a combination of sustainable solutions to create this race track's breathtaking jumps and tight turns, showcasing the strength of its electric portfolio and digital solutions.
They include the 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator, which will be supported by the Dig Assist digital solution and an Engcon tiltrotator capable of excavating to any angle, to form the jumps. Also working to both build and maintain the tracks are two brand new L120 Electric wheel loaders from China. These machines are currently in a customer pilot across selected Asian markets, and will come to other selected markets yet to be announced.
In addition, one of the zero-emission L120 Electric wheel loaders will be fitted with recovery forks to remove crashed race cars from the track, as part of Volvo CE’s pioneering motorsport safety solution.
Part of the track is a replica of a design devised by Volvo CE at its test track in Eskilstuna, Sweden – built to encourage more overtaking and a greater spectacle for racegoers. It has been built using data captured in 3D on Volvo CE’s Dig Assist in-cab machine control application. The data are then programmed into Volvo’s machines and recreated in real life. This reduces the build time for the track, but also does so with a minimal carbon footprint.
Bill Law, head of brand, marketing and communications at Volvo CE, said, “This is another great platform to raise awareness about the incredible power of electromobility and digital solutions in real life applications. We’re so proud to be part of developing this spectacular rallycross track in the heart of Hong Kong, in partnership with the FIA World Rallycross Championship. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to accelerate a more sustainable transformation.”
