Van Gelder deploys electric drill truck in Amsterdam

Asphalt drilling henceforth CO₂-neutral

The City of Amsterdam has chosen Van Gelder as its permanent partner for a period of six years to carry out major maintenance on its roads. The focus here is on sustainability.

In view of this sustainability challenge, the Geobureau and Van Gelder's quality department have developed the first all-electric asphalt drilling truck. Where previously a diesel car with trailer with drilling equipment was necessary for asphalt research, all-electric equipment is now being used. As a result, asphalt drilling can be CO₂-neutral be implemented.

Climate target
The development and deployment of the electric drilling truck is one of the novelties resulting from the partnership agreement. Head of Geobureau Björn Wunderink: "In this partnership, Van Gelder and the Municipality of Amsterdam are working together to achieve the climate target of 95% CO₂-reduction by 2050. From this unique partnership, continuous work is being done to improve working methods, choice of materials and equipment to be deployed."

Drill Truck
The drill truck is an electric vehicle equipped with a drilling rig, which can image the thickness and quality of the asphalt on site. With no emissions and easy to operate. But Van Gelder continues to improve continuously. For example, a car with thermal cameras was recently put into service, which can monitor heat stress. Wunderink: "That's another development we expect a lot from."

Invest
Van Gelder is constantly looking at ways to make its fleet more sustainable. It is investing heavily in electric vehicles and machines. These produce fewer or no emissions and are low-noise. From a sustainability perspective, Van Gelder is highly committed to changing and electrifying its equipment. Electric vibratory plates and vehicles have become indispensable on the projects in Amsterdam.

Preservation
Wunderink: "Everything that can be electric, we are going to make electric in the coming years. Making work more sustainable is one of the most important aspects of Infra these days. The Major Roads Cooperation Agreement is a great example of this."