Swedish heavy equipment manufacturer Huddig has upgraded the battery pack in its 1370 hybrid wheel loader, raising capacity from 44 kWh to 61 kWh for the new model year. The 40% increase is designed to extend the machine's ability to work on electric power alone, reducing fuel consumption and emissions during typical construction and utility tasks.
The 1370 is a hybrid wheel loader that combines a diesel engine with an electric drivetrain and a lithium-ion battery pack. By increasing the battery from 44 kWh to 61 kWh, Huddig aims to allow operators to run the loader on electric power for longer periods, particularly during low-demand work such as lifting, grading, or moving materials around a site. The upgrade also supports the growing push in the construction equipment sector to cut diesel use in urban areas and on projects with strict emissions limits.
Huddig has not yet released full technical details on the new battery's chemistry or charging times, but the company said the larger pack is part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency of its hybrid platform. The 1370 is already known for its versatility, with a range of attachments that allow it to serve as a loader, excavator, and tool carrier. The additional battery capacity is expected to make electric-only operation practical for a wider set of jobs, including those where noise and exhaust fumes are a concern.
The move reflects a wider trend among heavy equipment makers. As cities tighten emissions rules and contractors face pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, hybrid and electric machines are becoming more common. Battery capacity is a key selling point because it determines how long a machine can work without running its diesel engine. For Huddig, the jump from 44 kWh to 61 kWh is a significant step, placing the 1370 closer to the capabilities of larger hybrid loaders while retaining its compact footprint.
Huddig is a Swedish brand based in Hudiksvall, known for building wheel loaders and backhoe loaders that are popular in Scandinavia and other European markets. The company has been developing hybrid technology for several years, and the 1370 is one of its flagship models. The new battery upgrade is expected to be available for the new model year, though pricing and availability have not been announced.
For operators, the main benefit is likely to be lower fuel costs and less engine wear, as the machine can rely more on electric power. The larger battery may also allow the loader to run quietly for longer, which is useful for work in residential areas or at night. Huddig has not said whether the upgrade will be offered as a retrofit for existing 1370 models, but such a move would be unusual in the industry, where battery upgrades are typically reserved for new machines.
The announcement comes as several major equipment manufacturers, including Volvo, Caterpillar, and Komatsu, invest heavily in electric and hybrid powertrains. While fully electric heavy machines remain limited by battery cost and charging infrastructure, hybrids like the Huddig 1370 offer a practical middle ground. They can reduce fuel use without requiring a complete shift to electric power, making them attractive for contractors who need to balance performance, cost, and environmental rules.
Huddig's battery boost is a modest but meaningful update to an existing platform. It shows how incremental improvements in battery technology can make hybrid machines more capable and more appealing to buyers who are not yet ready to go fully electric. For now, the 1370 remains a niche product, but its larger battery could help it stand out in a competitive market for compact loaders.