Leveraging a range of EV components and propulsion technologies provided by General Motors, with engineering support from Powertrain Control Solutions, the prototype 8520C E-Paver helps showcase the potential for electrification in the commercial asphalt paving industry.

LeeBoy, a manufacturer of equipment for the commercial asphalt market, has introduced its first prototype electric paver with the 8520C E-Paver, in collaboration with General Motors (GM) and Powertrain Control Solutions (PCS).

The 8520C E-Paver continues to set the standard in heavy-commercial paving with the proven performance operators have come to expect from LeeBoy coupled with the ability to meet the future demands of the asphalt paving industry, the manufacturer said.

"We know that the industry is making a move towards electric machines," Chris Broome, senior product manager at LeeBoy said.

"What we wanted to do with the E-Paver is take an automotive grade electric drive system and match it with established LeeBoy components. The hydraulic systems on the E-Paver are a mirror image of the 8520C that operators are used to, we replaced the diesel engine and LeeBoy integrated a compatible electric drive system."

Leveraging a range of EV components and propulsion technologies provided by General Motors, with engineering support from Powertrain Control Solutions, the prototype 8520C E-Paver helps showcase the potential for electrification in the commercial asphalt paving industry.

"As GM pursues its vision of an all-electric future, extending the advantages of EV technology beyond our core vehicle portfolio will continue to play a role in greater overall adoption," said Travis Hester, GM vice president of EV Growth Operations. "This concept paver unit, created in collaboration with LeeBoy and PCS, highlights another exciting application and business that can benefit greatly from electrification."

Enhanced Applications, Comfort for Operators 

While the prototype 8520C E-Paver was designed with trusted LeeBoy features and technology like the Legend HD Screed, GM's electric drive system not only helps contractors meet their sustainability goals, but also can improve operating efficiency and comfort.

"On the electric paver, contractors won't be wasting fuel while idling," Broome said. "Any time you put the machine in neutral, the paver powers down so you're not wasting energy waiting on trucks."

As an additional benefit, operators also can experience decreased noise levels while using an electric machine and the standard operating station they are comfortable with on other LeeBoy machines.

"The controls feature our "LeeBoy Family Feel" and style," Broome said. "They are standard to our electric over hydraulic controls so there won't be a learning curve to jump in from an 8520 to this electric machine."

LeeBoy was able to maintain some of the familiar control style utilizing the controls development expertise of Engine Power Source (EPS).

Electric 8520C Asphalt Paver at a Glance 

• 150 KW Max electric drive motor 
• 48 KWh battery pack 
• 120VAC or 240VAC onboard charger; rapid charging available  
• Legend HD screed variable up to 15 ft. 
• LeeBoy hydraulic system 
• 9 ton hopper 
• 12 in. diameter quick change auger assemblies 
• Heavy duty conveyor chains and flight bars 
• Operator friendly toggle switch controls 

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