Equipment manufacturer JCB has unveiled its first ever electric excavator, eliminating both noise and fuel emissions, factors which are increasingly appealing in confined spaces and urban markets.
JCB chairman Lord Bamford said the company had 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," he said.
JCB chief innovation and growth officer Tim Burnhope said the company had replaced its standard diesel engine with an 48 volt electrical driveline and latest generation automotive battery cells.
"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," he said.
"The 19C-1 E-TEC points the way to a new zero-emission future for JCB mini excavators."
Mr Burnhope said JCB CEA would launch the electric-drive 19C-1 E-TEC mini excavator into the Australian market at the beginning of 2020.