Assessing the feasibility and environmental benefits of electrifying construction machinery in Beijing, China.

Abstract

Oil-fired construction machinery (OCM) is a major source of urban air pollutants and CO₂ emissions, and electrification is a crucial pathway for improving air quality and achieving China's dual carbon goals; however, its feasibility has not been fully explored. This study uses data envelopment analysis and the analytic hierarchy process to establish a development potential index, covering technical efficiency, economic cost, application scenarios, and charging time and range, with an empirical analysis conducted in Beijing. The findings indicated the high feasibility of replacing OCM with electric alternatives, especially within the low-power range. Based on 2023 registered coding data, it is projected that by 2030, electrification could reduce regional average concentrations of CO, NO_x, PM_2.5 and VOCs by 12.2 % to 56.4 % and reduce CO₂ by 11.7 % to 56.9 %. Owing to economic considerations, small- and medium-sized machinery are particularly feasible for electrification. Key recommendations include prioritizing the electrification of forklifts, lifting platforms, and small-sized machinery in high-emission areas, particularly in central urban districts. Policies such as carbon taxes, carbon markets, and performance grading systems are suggested to incentivize electrification, along with expanding high-emission restriction zones and improving energy infrastructure to support widespread electrification.