The HX 70e uses a 400-volt lithium-ion battery from Kreisel, offering a capacity of 63 kWh. (Image source: HAMM)

At Bauma 2025, compaction expert Hamm spotlighted the latest addition to its range of pivot-steered tandem rollers: the fully electric HX 70e VV-S, equipped with two vibration drums.

Designed to support the construction industry’s shift towards lower emissions, the machine is aimed at making roadbuilding more sustainable.

A second version, the HX 70e VO-S, was also on display.

This variant features an oscillation drum instead of a second vibration drum. As part of an ongoing technology rollout, both models are initially being trialled on urban construction sites across Europe.

Electrification without compromise

The HX 70e uses a 400-volt lithium-ion battery from Kreisel, offering a capacity of 63 kWh.

This proven component enables efficient and powerful operation, while the electric drive system ensures low noise and reduced emissions.

Charging is handled via a standard Type 2 connector, with additional options such as Type 1, J1772, and CCS to follow.

With fast charging, the battery can go from 20% to 80% in under an hour, ideal for high-paced jobsites.

Despite its electric powertrain, the HX 70e matches its diesel-powered counterparts in performance.

Compaction power remains the same, and peak output is even higher.

The oscillation version, in particular, benefits from an ultra-quiet profile, combining the low noise of oscillation with that of an electric drive, making it ideal for work near hospitals, heritage buildings, or in vibration-sensitive zones.

Familiar operation, lower costs

Operators will find the electric models nearly identical to diesel versions in terms of control and handling. The main difference lies in the updated display interface, which features new symbols to guide the user intuitively.

Maintenance requirements are also reduced thanks to the simplified design of the high-voltage electrical system, which eliminates many of the service needs typical of diesel engines.

This translates into lower operating costs and improved uptime.

Customers can continue to rely on the Wirtgen Group’s established service network, and the new machines are compatible with the John Deere Operations Center for remote monitoring and fleet management, just like their diesel equivalents.

Also read: Wirtgen Group launches zero-emission construction system

The Line 2 extension will span 8.4 km. (Image source: Bechtel)

Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has awarded a major contract worth up to US$900mn to the ArRiyadh New Mobility Consortium for the construction of the Line 2 extension of the Riyadh Metro project, according to a report by MEED.

The consortium includes several international heavyweights such as Italy’s Webuild, India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Saudi-based Nesma & Partners, Japan’s Hitachi, Italy’s Ansaldo STS, Canada’s Bombardier, Spain’s Idom, and Australia’s WorleyParsons.

The Line 2 extension will span 8.4 km. This includes a 1.3 km elevated and a 7.1 km underground extension.

It will also feature five stations, two elevated and three underground. The line will run from the current King Saud University (KSU) terminus to KSU Medical City, KSU West, Diriyah East, Diriyah Central (interchanging with the planned Line 7), and ending at Diriyah South.

Last year, the BACS Consortium had delivered the first phase of the Riyadh Metro. This consortium also included global engineering, construction, and project management company Bechtel. 

Project awards

Project management and construction supervision will be handled by Riyadh Metro Transit Consultants (RMTC), a joint venture of US-based Parsons and French engineering firms Egis and Systra. RMTC also provided project oversight for Lines 1, 2, and 3 during the first phase of the metro’s development.

Once complete, the Riyadh Metro will become the world’s longest driverless metro system, spanning 176 km with 85 stations and seven depots. The six-line network includes the Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Purple lines.

The phased rollout of the network has progressed steadily. The Orange Line began operations in January this year, following the Red and Green lines which launched in December 2024. The Red Line (Line 2) runs 25.1 km from east to west along King Abdullah Road, connecting King Fahd Sports City with King Saud University and includes 15 stations.

The Green Line (Line 5) stretches 13.3 km, connecting King Abdullah Road with the National Museum, and serves key ministries such as Defence, Finance, and Commerce. In the same month, operations also began on the Blue (Line 1), Yellow (Line 4), and Purple (Line 6) lines.

Also read: Giza Station foundation work underway

Cat's heavy-duty 980 GC Wheel loader (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar has unveiled its new heavy-duty Cat 980 GC wheel loader

Easy to own and simple to operate, the new wheel loader provides an economical solution for a broad range of applications, said Frank Stadelmann, global product application specialist at Caterpillar.

“We’ve built the new 980 GC on a long legacy of high performance and highly reliable wheel loaders with proven components and integrated Cat machine systems,” he said.

“The loader’s simple user interface, intuitive controls and excellent visibility make for comfortable and efficient operation, even with less experienced operators.”

The 980 GC wheel loader offers low fuel consumption with an on-demand fan, load-sensing hydraulics, intuitive controls and Performance Series buckets.

“New features to this model, like our Engine Idle Management System (EIMS), minimise idle RPM and fuel consumption to help deliver low owning and operating costs,” said Stadelmann.

Adding to the full line of medium wheel loader choices, the new 980 GC is powered by the Cat C13 engine. The engine’s Cat Clean Emissions Module works in the background without impacting production.

Other features

The EIMS, Auto Engine Idle Shutdown, variable speed fan and load sensing hydraulics all combine to offer low fuel consumption and sound levels on the machine.

Its field-proven automatic planetary powershift transmission also delivers high reliability and long service life. Four forward/reverse speeds reach a maximum 39.8 km/h (24.7 mph) speed to quickly move about the site, and the well-known Electronic Clutch Pressure Control (ECPC) shifting system provides smooth, efficient gear changes in all operating conditions.

Available ride control improves operating smoothness over rough terrain while ensuring excellent material retention and increasing efficiency, and the optional limited slip differential axle increases traction in poor underfoot conditions.

The new loader also features convenient service points, one-piece tilting hood with swing-out radiator, and sight gauges for quick and efficient daily maintenance. Hard-to-reach pins have remote, conveniently grouped grease fittings for easy preventative lubrication. An optional Cat Autolube System boasts simple, one-button control and includes fault flash function to alert the operator to issues.

The new 980 GC is built on a legacy of high performance and highly reliable wheel loaders with machine components designed and manufactured to high quality standards. Caterpillar first entered the wheel loader market back in 1959.

The latest machine is also backed by the Cat dealer network to help maximise uptime by providing global parts support and trained technicians.

Also read: Caterpillar's new ECS portfolio for enhanced power control

Andy Boutle, head of digital construction at ALEC. (Image source: ALEC)

ALEC, one of the Middle East’s leading construction companies, has once again achieved the BIM Kitemark recertification from BSI.

This marks the third consecutive year it has met the global benchmark for excellence in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and information management under the ISO 19650 series of standards.

The achievement reinforces ALEC’s position at the forefront of digital transformation in construction, aligning with findings from the McKinsey Global Institute, which show that technology and innovation can enhance construction sector productivity by up to 60%.

Recognised globally as one of the most rigorous certifications for information management, the BIM Kitemark requires companies to pass a detailed audit.

ALEC was assessed on its ability to meet client information requirements, maintain accuracy and consistency, enable effective supply chain collaboration, and comply with the ISO 19650 framework.

This recertification not only validates ALEC’s ability to lead digital delivery but also reflects its role in raising industry standards.

VR and other tools

Throughout the past year, ALEC has advanced its Innovation Strategy, supported by focused Digital and IT strategies. Technology and automation remain central to its approach, with initiatives such as a new ERP system to streamline internal processes, expanded use of HoloBuilder, and the introduction of ‘Resolve’, a VR tool integrated with Revizto’s issue tracker.

In parallel, ALEC continues to scale the use of Morta, a data structuring and standardisation platform that allows the company to digitalise ISO 19650 documentation and improve project oversight across design change, procurement, and risk management.

Through this sustained focus on digital innovation, ALEC is not only enhancing its operational performance but also shaping the future of construction in the region.

Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC, said, “Innovation is part of our DNA, and securing this BIM recertification for a third consecutive year highlights how deeply embedded our digital-first mindset has become. We see enormous growth potential in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and our ongoing investments in innovation and digital excellence enable us to remain agile, deliver the highest quality projects, and capitalise on these opportunities.”

Andy Boutle, head of digital construction at ALEC, said, “We see this recertification as another step on a much broader journey. The regional industry has made great strides in BIM adoption, but there’s still a gap to bridge to reach the next level of utilisation and maturity in line with international standards. At ALEC, we’re committed to helping close that gap, not just within our own projects but also by leading by example and encouraging our partners and clients to embrace a digital-first mindset. In the months ahead, we’ll continue to focus on building seamless interconnectivity between our digital solutions, creating a more data-driven, efficient, and sustainable way of delivering projects.”

Also read: Is the GCC leading in sustainable construction?