Within only a few years construction machine makers have introduced a wide range of compact electric equipment, and more new models are on the way.
A notable development from Ammann is its first electric-drive mini excavator, the Ammann eAMX 15, with performance comparable to its diesel equivalent. The machine has an 11kW motor and suits use on sites with strict emissions standards inside structures or underground, while its quiet operation allows work on urban jobsites and at night.
The Ammann eAMX 15 has a 21.5kW, cobalt-free lithium battery in the rear compartment and protected from vibration. A charge lasts up to eight hours when the machine is operating in standard mode and it can be recharged fully in 10 hours using a standard supply. It can also recharge up to 80% in an hour when using an optional external charger.
The machine has load-sending hydraulics, with a flow-sharing distributor, for smooth movements. It also has three working modes (economy, standard and power), fully electric controls and a display that allows the operator to personalise settings.
The short tail profile allows operation in confined spaces and the machine is compact, with an off-set of just 150mm. The width of the chassis and blade can be reduced from 1050mm to 790mm, allowing access to narrow trenches. Total height is 2300mm and the rotation radius is 710mm, while good reach and boom swing angles allow excavation in tight spaces.
From Caterpillar comes a trio of battery-powered electric prototype machines powered by Cat-designed lithium-ion batteries. The Cat 906 battery electric prototype compact wheel loader is equipped with the Cat 300 V battery (64kWh). Depending on use and application, it can run for up to six hours on a single charge.
The Cat 950 GC battery electric prototype medium wheel loader is designed to handle jobsite tasks, from material handling to truck loading, general construction and stockpiling. Its Cat 600V (256kWh) battery allows a run time of up to six hours on a single charge, depending on use and application.
The Cat 301.9 battery electric prototype mini excavator, compact in size, can work in a wide range of applications. Its ability to enter narrow doorways makes it an excellent machine for interior demolition work. Its Cat 48V battery (32kWh) provides a run time of up to eight hours based on typical utilisation and application at a 40% to 60% utilisation rate.
Meanwhile, French firm Mecalac is now offering its first range of electric machines. Produced in Annecy in France, these machines can be used all day, offering more than eight hours of working on a jobsite.
The new electric excavator, dumper and wheeled loader offer benefits including less vibration, a drop in working noise, reduced maintenance and lower maintenance costs. In addition to these technical advantages for drivers, these machines contribute to the decarbonisation of worksites and help to improve the air quality in cities.
Mecalac’s electric e12 excavator is said to offer performance and a compact design for the 10-12tonne class. The power source, separate from the turret, enables a record capacity of 150kW/h to be installed, offering eight hours of working.
The ES1000 swing loader is said to be a fast, with its 100% electric transmission and power supply. The stability of the rigid chassis and the ability to manoeuvre and swivel the arm simultaneously are said to be key to its productivity and enable efficient use of space on worksites.
Compact and manoeuvrable on all types of terrain, the Mecalac eMDX electric dumper is said to be an efficient solution for transporting materials on construction sites. It now incorporates all Mecalac's expertise and technologies in terms of zero-emission solutions.
These machines can be recharged in 4-8 hours (depending on the model), for a working time of eight hours. Charging can be via a Type 2 socket or via an industrial five-pin socket (3P+T+N) on a worksite charging station.
