Dynapac has officially entered the zero-emission road construction sector with the release of its fully electric pneumatic tire compactor, the CP2800e. While tandem drum rollers have seen recent electric adaptations, pneumatic compactors-which use up to seven massive rubber tires to knead and seal asphalt surfaces-have remained stubbornly diesel-dependent due to the immense constant torque required to turn the heavy, weighted wheels under high rolling resistance. Dynapac's new platform tackles this challenge with a proprietary direct-drive electric architecture.
Instead of a diesel engine driving a single hydraulic pump that distributes flow to all wheels, the CP2800e utilizes individual permanent magnet electric motors mounted directly inside the wheel hubs. This direct-drive configuration eliminates the parasitic losses associated with long hydraulic hoses and complex planetary gear reductions. The onboard high-voltage battery pack delivers sustained torque to the wheels regardless of speed, preventing the machine from bogging down when transitioning from flat pavement to a steep incline on a highway on-ramp.
A critical feature of the electric design is the dynamic ballast management. Traditional pneumatic compactors add physical iron weights or fill the tires with liquid ballast to increase compaction force, a time-consuming manual process. The CP2800e uses the electric wheel motors to apply downward electromagnetic torque in opposition to the rolling direction, effectively increasing the kneading pressure on the asphalt dynamically from the cab. The operator can adjust the compaction force by up to 30% on the fly without stopping, ensuring optimal density without over-compacting and cracking the surface mat.
Furthermore, the electric motors recover energy during downhill braking and deceleration, extending the machine's operational runtime to a full 8-hour shift on a single charge. The elimination of the diesel engine also removes the risk of fluid leaks onto fresh, hot asphalt-a major quality control issue in road paving. By offering a zero-emission alternative that actually improves compaction precision, Dynapac is pushing the road building industry toward fully electric fleets.
