Accelerating GX in the Construction Industry from Snow Country! Nishio Rent All Completes National "Electric Heavy Machinery Trial Project"

Nishio Rent All Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President: Kimishi Nishio), a subsidiary of Nishio Holdings Co., Ltd., is pleased to announce the successful completion of snow removal operations in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture. The project, conducted from December 2, 2025, to February 28, 2026, utilized the company's Volvo "L25 Electric" compact wheel loader as part of the Ministry of the Environment's "FY2025 Commissioned Survey on the Trial Use of Electric Heavy Machinery for Coastal Cleanup, etc."

This project represents the first instance in Japan of electric heavy machinery being used in a municipal snow removal operation. Aiming to achieve carbon neutrality in the construction industry, our company has been a pioneer in the industry in utilizing electric construction machinery and accumulating operational expertise. This track record and knowledge were recognized, leading to our participation in this critical project in a snowy region and contributing to the acceleration of Green Transformation (GX) in the construction industry.

Background and Purpose of the Project The purpose of this project is to trial electric heavy machinery at snow removal sites and verify its effectiveness, thereby utilizing the findings for future policy considerations and promoting the further adoption of electric heavy machinery in Japan. The Ministry of the Environment is working to build various model cases to promote the adoption of electric heavy machinery, and in fiscal year 2025, this project was implemented with the cooperation of Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture.

In particular, snow removal work at public facilities near residential areas during the day requires careful consideration of noise and exhaust emissions. Electric heavy machinery is expected to be a field where the characteristics of zero emissions and overwhelming low noise can be utilized to the maximum extent. Realizing environmentally friendly snow removal work contributes significantly to both the preservation of the living environment for local residents and work efficiency.

Project Overview Project Name: FY2025 Commissioned Survey on the Trial Use of Electric Heavy Machinery for Coastal Cleanup, etc. Project Purpose: To verify the effectiveness of electric heavy machinery in snow removal and promote its future adoption. Implementation Details: Snow removal work (snow removal, scraping, gathering, etc.) at parking lots of town-managed facilities. Implementation Period: December 2, 2025 – February 28, 2026 Implementation Location: Town-managed facilities in Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture Machinery Used: One Volvo "L25 Electric" wheel loader (Operating weight: approx. 5,000 kg, Battery capacity: 40 kWh)

Results and Achievements of the Trial Operation Through the demonstration test, the following results and insights were obtained: [Positive Results] ・Realization of reduced exhaust gas and noise: Reduced physical and mental burden on workers and suppressed negative impacts on surrounding trees and plants. It was confirmed that work can be carried out at public facilities near residential areas while minimizing the impact on local residents. ・Confirmed power equivalent to engine-powered machines: Due to the instantaneous, powerful torque unique to electric motors, it was demonstrated that the machine exhibits work performance comparable to conventional diesel engine machines even in snow removal and transport tasks involving accumulated or compacted snow. ・Verified effectiveness in diverse snow removal tasks: The effectiveness of electric heavy machinery was confirmed in multiple different snow removal tasks, such as snow removal, scraping, and gathering.

[Operational Considerations] ・Securing charging equipment and schedule management: Since multiple snow removal machines operate simultaneously, it was found that securing the number of charging facilities and devising schedules is necessary. Building an operational system for full-scale future adoption is an important issue. ・Caution regarding battery consumption: It was confirmed that battery consumption tends to be relatively fast in the case of heavy, water-absorbed snow. Checking the remaining charge before work and planned charging management are essential.

About the "VOLVO L25 Electric" Used The "L25 Electric" used in this project is an electric heavy machine that solves the problems faced by conventional heavy machinery and contributes to the improvement of the local environment and work efficiency. ・Environmental preservation through zero emissions: Because it emits no exhaust gas, it contributes to the preservation of the surrounding environment of public facilities used by residents and water resources connected to snowmelt water. ・Overwhelming low noise: Even when working in residential areas or public facilities during the day, it minimizes the impact on local residents, promotes smooth communication between workers, and improves safety. ・Excellent work performance: With the instantaneous, powerful torque unique to electric motors, it efficiently performs snow removal and transport tasks for accumulated or compacted snow. The estimated operating time is approximately 8 hours on a full charge.

[L25 Electric Product Details (Link)]

Future Challenges Based on the valuable data and insights gained through this demonstration in a heavy snowfall area—including methods for optimizing charging operations and know-how for battery management—Nishio Rent All will propose new usage scenarios for electric construction machinery to society. We will continue to support environmentally friendly construction not only in snow removal work but also in various construction and maintenance fields in cold regions, contributing to the realization of a sustainable society and the future of the construction industry.

Furthermore, regarding the introduction of electric heavy machinery, a subsidy system by the Ministry of the Environment (Ministry of the Environment's "Project to Promote the Electrification of Commercial Vehicles, etc.") is in place, and together with the GX Construction Machinery Certification System, further expansion of adoption is expected in the future. We will continue to act as a leader in promoting GX in the industry.