JCB (www.jcb.com) made company history earlier this month with the unveiling of its first-ever electric excavator — the quietest digger in its range and one with zero emissions (it will be officially launched later this year).

The 19C-1 E-TEC mini-excavator has been developed ‘in secret’ at JCB’s Staffordshire headquarters. It 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 major advantage is that the external noise — at 7dBA lower — makes it five-times quieter than its traditional diesel-powered counterpart.

This means that contractors can work after normal hours in urban streets without disturbing residents, as well as in other noise-sensitive environments, including hospitals and schools.

There is no compromise on digging performance, with the fully charged electric machine capable of putting in a full shift in normal operation mode; and with no daily checks of coolant and engine oil levels required, the machine can start 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 mini-excavator, we are offering our customers a practical and affordable solution for applications that demand zero emissions and quiet operation.”

JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer, Tim Burnhope, said: “By replacing the diesel engine with an efficient 48V electrical driveline plus the latest-generation automotive battery cells, JCB has once again moved the mini-excavator market forwards.”