JCB has created an all-electric mini excavator

JCB has introduced a new division within the company called E-TECH. This department will focus on a new generation of electric products with zero emissions at point of use that don’t compromise on performance. Their first creation is the 19C-1E which is the first of the electric generation and the industry’s first fully electric mini excavator. It lets you do a full day’s work on a single charge, giving you access to a whole new world of possibilities.

Quick facts about the power supply:

The new 19C-1E has maintenance free batteries, needs minimal daily checks and requires less servicing, saving rental companies, hirers and owner operators time and money. Other advantages include:

• The machine’s 3 battery packs lets you work for a full day on a single charge.
• If the machine is left on but not working, the battery will last up to 120 hours.
• Keep check of the battery status via a gauge on the instrument panel.
• 3 charging options: 110V, 230V and 415V let you get to work when and where it suits.

The charging time is only 2 hours with the optional 380-420V three phase external charger, 8 hours with a 220-240V on board charger and 12 hours with a 110V on board charger.

One of the biggest advantages about a fully electric machine is the lack of noise that the machine produces. Noise levels can put a stop to work progress. The 19C-1E over comes this by the fact that it has very low noise levels, making it ideal for urban areas and indoor working, allowing better communication with co-workers. Noise at the operator station is a huge 10 dB less than the diesel version.

Being an electric vehicle some might think that it is not up to the task of heavy work. The new JCB 19C-1E has indeed been designed and built to withstand the toughest job sites with long lasting components for minimum downtime. This model features a 100% steel bodywork construction for maximum protection and easy repair. JCB has also extensively tested the electrical circuit and every detail checked including the heavy-duty cables, to maximise longevity.

Many might fear that the batteries will start to weaken after a few charges however JCB has tested the batteries used and have reported that even after 2000 full charge and discharge cycles (expected to be over 10 years) the batteries still had over 85% of their capacity left. However JCB has added an impressive warranty on the machine and batteries which is 2 years.

Winning recipe

JCB’s ultra-quiet and zero emissions 19C-1E electric digger has already won the 2020 MacRobert Award. The MacRobert Award is a prize for innovation that has been presented since 1969 to honour a wide variety of engineering feats. JCB faced strong competition for this year’s award from two other shortlisted finalists: the all-electric I-PACE sports utility vehicle from Jaguar Land Rover and ecoSMRT liquid natural gas reliquification technology from Babcock’s LGE business.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford noted, “To win one of the world’s most respected engineering prizes is an outstanding endorsement for JCB’s electrification team, who have achieved so much in applying a science which was new to our business. JCB’s electric mini excavator will contribute to a zero carbon future and it’s a huge honour for our contribution to be recognised in this way.”

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