Major Manufacturer Builds Fully Electric Excavator

JCB, a manufacturer of material handling, construction and agricultural machinery, wanted to gain a competitive advantage by producing an electric mini excavator. This case study explains how they moved to electric so rapidly with lithium-ion battery packs.

The Problem

With increased regulations and pressure to reduce emission in the construction industry—as well as an increase in customer demand for work indoors, underground, and close to people—the manufacturer wanted to bring a fully electric mini excavator to market quickly.

The JCB electric mini excavator

The Challenge

To gain a competitive edge, JCB had a short timeline for bringing the electric mini excavator to market. They needed an electrification partner with proven experience and technology that could help them expedite the development of the concept and then meet demand as production levels increased. Specifically, they were looking for:

• Voltage and capacity
• A compact, light-weight battery that fits the vehicle dimensions
• Fast-charging, long-lasting battery suited to harsh off-highway applications

The Solution: Lithium-Ion Battery Packs

The battery manufacturer provided four lithium-ion battery packs. They delivered a total energy capacity of 20 kilowatt hours (kWh).

The Energy Stack

The Results

JCB took advantage of early entry into the electric vehicle market. The company established a leadership position by delivering a fully electric mini excavator with a long battery life and the ability to work anywhere, anytime. It achieved:

• Preservation of performance capabilities with the matched productivity of the diesel model
• Zero emissions, helping JCB make progress toward sustainability goals and allowing indoor operation without hazardous air conditions
• Quiet operation, enabling use on more urban and indoor sites and for extended hours

Benefits of a Fully Electric Mini Excavator for Construction Contractors & Other End Users

Sustainability

A 100% electric excavator with zero emissions to meet regulatory requirements and help customers reduce their own carbon footprint.

Quiet

The quiet operation of the lithium-ion battery packs is ideal for jobs in urban areas, indoor work, and operation outside normal hours with 7 dBA lower noise than a diesel machine. 

Safe

A fully electric excavator is safer for the environment with zero carbon emissions and safer for operators with lower noise levels. 

Economical

With fewer parts, electric vehicles are more reliable and require less maintenance. Plus, they are less expensive to operate since they don’t require expensive fossil fuels.