Charged EVs | New e-HYDRIVE hybrid drum drive system powers cement mixer operation without engine idling
Revolution Concrete Mixers and London Machinery have developed a hybrid drum drive system that’s designed to power cement mixer operation without engine idling.
The new e-HYDRIVE system addresses “one of the ready-mix industry’s most persistent operational challenges”—unnecessary idling during loading, waiting and pouring—and also reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
The e-HYDRIVE is designed to deliver full drum performance at the job site with the chassis engine off. Early field testing demonstrated measurable reductions in idle time and fuel consumption across daily production cycles.
Traditionally, mixer trucks must run the chassis engine to power the drum during loading, waiting, and pouring. The hybrid system charges the battery while the truck is driving, then powers the drum electrically (the truck can also operate traditionally if needed).
Designed for both new builds and retrofits, e-HYDRIVE is designed to require no significant modification to existing mixer components, allowing seamless integration in active fleets while minimizing downtime.
“Our customers have consistently told us they need practical electrification solutions that work in real production environments,” said Executive VP Bryan Datema. “e-HYDRIVE reduces unnecessary idling, lowers operating costs, and prepares fleets for the future of electrified chassis platforms without disrupting daily operations.”
As part of its development, e-HYDRIVE has operated in active production environments with Amrize, a concrete producer known for evaluating emerging technologies. This collaboration allowed Revolution | London to validate durability, usability and real-world performance under demanding operating conditions.
“This has been a long-term testing effort across multiple generations of the system,” said Ian Paine, Amrize. “Innovation at this level requires commitment, iteration, and a willingness to stay engaged until the value is clear.”
“Electrification in concrete delivery is not a distant concept—it’s happening now,” said Bob Monchamp, President, Revolution Concrete Mixers and London Machinery. “Solutions like e-HYDRIVE help set the foundation for the next era of mixer technology and accelerate the next generation of sustainable concrete delivery.”
