JCB has delivered more than 50 of its first fully electric mini excavators.
Built in Staffordshire, JCB say they have had orders from across Europe and North America for the 19C-IE model which they say is five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and takes just two hours to fully charge.
JCB say research shows that, over five years, the electric digger will be 50% cheaper for customers who would otherwise be using red diesel, with servicing costs also believed to be significantly lower.
The model is expected to be popular with companies working inside buildings and in noise-sensitive inner-city areas.
Tim Burnhope, JCB chief innovation officer, 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, said, “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.”
