Colas, TotalEnergies and Volvo partner to decarbonise urban construction sites with electric solutions

Colas, TotalEnergies, Volvo Group, and its subsidiaries Volvo Construction Equipment and Volvo Trucks have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the decarbonisation of urban construction sites through multi-energy and electrification solutions.

The agreement, signed during the 8th edition of the Rencontres event organised by the Community of Sustainable Equipment Stakeholders in Nanterre, France, brings together expertise across construction, energy supply and electric vehicle technology to reduce reliance on diesel and petrol generators on worksites. The collaboration aims to support a gradual transition towards low-carbon construction operations, particularly in dense urban environments.

A first pilot project will be launched in the Lyon area, where a mobile electric charging unit will be deployed on construction sites operated by Colas at its Saint-Priest facility. The system is designed to provide practical on-site charging for electric machinery and vehicles, helping to reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility in busy urban settings.

TotalEnergies will contribute its capabilities in low-carbon energy supply and localised delivery solutions, ensuring energy is available close to construction sites to improve efficiency and reduce logistical emissions. Volvo Construction Equipment will provide electric and connected machinery, including its EWR150 Electric excavator, while Volvo Trucks will supply electric transport solutions already being deployed in partnership with Colas. Colas will act as the site operator, applying its experience in managing large-scale urban infrastructure projects.

The partnership builds on existing cooperation between Colas and TotalEnergies, which includes the use of HVO biofuels for existing fleets, the installation of renewable-powered charging infrastructure, and the development of solar energy installations on company land to improve site-level energy self-sufficiency. These initiatives form part of a broader effort by all partners to reduce operational carbon emissions and support the wider energy transition in the construction sector.

Industry representatives involved in the agreement said the collaboration marks an important step towards scaling up electric construction solutions. They highlighted that combining mobile charging systems with electric machinery enables more immediate emissions reductions while paving the way for wider adoption across France and international markets.

Following the initial trials in Lyon, the partners plan to expand the model to additional urban construction sites, with the longer-term ambition of creating a scalable low-carbon ecosystem for the global construction industry.