Despite a pledge to electrify its compact equipment line by mid 2020 and do away with diesel, Volvo is still offering and upgrading its diesel-powered compact loaders.

Perhaps that pledge was meant for Europe. In January 2019, the company announced that, starting with the European market, it would introduce a range of all-electric compact excavators and wheel loaders. The first machines were seen at Bauma 2019 in Munich, Germany.

Fast forward to 2026, after the company has spent years hyping electric equipment to North America, and we still see diesel offered, and indeed upgraded, here.

That's the case with the Volvo L30 and L35 compact wheel loaders.

Everything you need to know about compact wheel loaders

Production of updated Volvo L30 and L35 compact wheel loaders is scheduled to begin late this year, with orders anticipated to ship shortly thereafter. If you're doing the math, that takes compact loader diesels into 2027 and probably beyond.

What's new with the Volvo loaders

Volvo says the L30 and L35 feature the most significant frame redesign since the models were introduced in 1998. The updates give customers more flexibility to use the machines for different jobs while improving service access and everyday operation.

The updated models feature a redesigned rear section, improved service access, and a redesigned cab entrance.

The redesigned rear of the L30 and L35 compact wheel loaders includes new mounting points that simplify the installation of rear-mounted equipment.

Different trailer couplings can also be fitted quickly, while hydraulic and electric connections can be added or retrofitted with less installation work.

I must admit, this is the first time I've seen a loader's ability to pull trailers promoted.

This added flexibility complements the hydraulic capabilities of the L30 and L35, including adjustable auxiliary flow and high-flow hydraulics of up to 26.4 g/min on the L30 and 29.1 g/min on the L35, to support a wide range of attachments.

The redesigned rear of the models also gives technicians better access for servicing and repairs. Split side-mounted counterweights can be removed when needed, while a larger opening in the front frame improves access to key components and simplifies the installation of additional hydraulic or electrical equipment.

In the cab

Operators will also notice an updated cab entrance, with three ergonomically positioned steps, well-placed handrails, and a wide-opening door providing straightforward access throughout the working day.

Inside, a high seating position and good all-round visibility provide a clear view of the machine, attachment and surrounding jobsite. Low in-cab noise, heating and optional air conditioning, an adjustable steering column, and ergonomic joystick help keep operators comfortable.

A 5-inch display, intuitively controlled via a jog wheel, is meant to provide easy access to key machine information.

Diesel vs. electric scorecard

If you're keeping score, the L30 and L35 compact wheel loaders join the L45H and L50H in the company's North American compact diesel line. The L30 is a 1.3-cubic-yard, 12,135-pound unit, while the L50H standard bucket can handle 2.1 cubic yards and weighs in at 20,944 pounds.

Volvo does offer what's likely the widest array of electric models in North America. In wheel loaders, that's the L20 Electric and L25 Electric, along with the larger L120 Electric.

There are also four electric compact excavators (out of 12 crawlers), and the medium EC230 excavator.

Electric ADTs are on their way, but it's going to be a while until we see entire product lines eliminate diesel altogether.