UK Power Networks and groundworks contractor Falco Construction are trialling fully electric mini-excavators as part of their efforts to cause less noise and achieve net zero.
Over the next two years, two environmentally friendlyTakeuchi TB20e excavators will be used for excavation work across London, the South East and East Anglia.
If successful, Falco plans to invest over £6 million to replace its entire fleet of 120 diesel-powered excavators with electric models.
This transition could eliminate over 200 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually, while also reducing Nitrous Oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, significantly improving air quality for operators and local communities.
Katherine Jennings, continuous improvement manager at UK Power Networks, said: “We are incredibly proud of this trial and excited about the initial positive findings. e-diggers could ultimately be a huge enabler in UK Power Networks and Falco achieving their joint Net Zero commitments.”
The electric excavators offer equivalent performance to diesel models, with batteries lasting up to five days and recharging within hours, reducing the need for constant refuelling.
They are also quieter, operating 13 decibels below diesel counterparts, further minimising noise pollution.