JCB has just started production of the construction industry’s first fully electric mini excavator.

The 19C-1E models are coming off the assembly line at the JCB Compact Products factory in Staffordshire, with over 50 machines being delivered so far. JCB said the electric excavator is five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and can be fully charged in under two hours. At full charge, the 19C-1E can put in a typical full day’s shift for a mini excavator.

JCB claims research has highlighted that over the first five years, charging costs will be 50% lower for customers who would otherwise be using agricultural diesel. Servicing costs are also expected to be up to 70% lower than the diesel model.

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JCB said the zero emissions and low noise 19C-1E delivers all of the performance of a conventional diesel-powered 1.9t mini excavator. The machine comes with JCB’s LiveLink telematics as standard. Orders for the new electric excavator have been taken from customers from across Europe and North America.