Digger-maker JCB has made manufacturing history by going into full production with the construction industry’s first fully electric mini excavator – with more than 50 machines already delivered.
JCB’s first-ever electric diggers are now coming off the assembly line at JCB Compact Products in Cheadle, Staffordshire, with orders rolling in from customers from across Europe and North America.
The machine is five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and can be fully charged in under two hours.
The model is expected to be a big hit with companies working inside buildings and in emissions and noise-sensitive inner-city areas.
Fully charged, the digger can put in a typical full day’s shift for a mini excavator.
JCB chief innovation officer Tim Burnhope said: “In urban environments in particular, contractors are understandably very keen to operate zero emissions equipment whenever possible, including outdoors. I’m delighted that the model is now in full production after successful feedback from customers in many key markets during the evaluation stage.”
JCB Compact Products’ managing director Robert Winter added: “This is a historic moment for JCB and for JCB Compact Products. We are delighted to go into full production with the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator. The machine has a very promising future ahead of it.”
