JCB has made company history with the unveiling of its first ever electric excavator – the quietest digger in its range and one delivering zero emissions.
The brand new JCB 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator has been developed in top secret at JCB’s World HQ in Staffordshire.
With the drive towards lower emissions, the zero-emission JCB 19C-1 E-TEC will allow contractors to work inside buildings and in emissions-sensitive inner city environments. It will also allow rail contractors to operate in tunnels and underground, without having to install costly exhaust extraction equipment.
Another huge advantage of the new electric mini is that the external noise, at 7dBA lower, is a massive five times quieter than its traditional diesel powered counterpart. This means contractors can work after normal hours in urban streets without disturbing residents, as well operating in other noise-sensitive environments including hospitals and schools.
On digging there is no compromise on performance with the fully charged electric machine capable of putting in a full shift in normal operation. And with no daily checks of coolant and engine oil levels required, the machine is off to work quicker than its diesel counterpart.
JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “JCB has been at the forefront of developing innovative, low emission construction equipment for many years. In producing an electric JCB mini excavator, we are offering our customers a practical and affordable solution for applications that demand zero emissions and quiet operation.” JCB Chief Innovation and Growth Officer Tim Burnhope said: “By replacing the diesel engine with an efficient, 48V electrical driveline, with the latest generation automotive battery cells, JCB has once again moved the mini excavator market forwards. “The 19C-1 E-TEC will provide contractors with a zero-emission, low-noise solution, allowing them to work independently in late night urban conditions within buildings and even in rail tunnels with no requirement for costly exhaust extraction equipment. The 19C-1 E-TEC points the way to a new zero-emission future for JCB mini excavators.”