Loxam takes first electric mini excavator

Europe’s largest rental company, Loxam, has acquired its first electric mini excavator, a JCB 19C-1E.

The machine, which has been delivered to Loxam’s depot in Colombes, north-west of Paris, is  five times quieter than its diesel counterpart and is ideal for work inside buildings and in emissions and noise-sensitive inner-city areas. It has a claimed full day’s duty cycle on a single charge.

Loxam’s Group Equipment Director, Thierry Lahuppe, said: “The addition of this first electric mini excavator to the Loxam equipment fleet shows our genuine commitment to the development of a more responsible rental sector which is respectful of the environment and urban work sites.

”As a leading player in the rental sector, Loxam aims to show how essential it is to offer a range of electrical equipment. It is about preparing for the future and meeting the growing environmental requirements of our customers who work on urban construction sites.”

The 19C-1E  has four lithium-ion battery packs providing a 20kWh storage capacity. A battery management system ensures full-shift availability and the option for 230V charging when required, with 10-hour recharging time.

Lahuppe added; ”We aim to go even further to encourage manufacturers to continue developing environmentally friendly equipment. There are many technological solutions and electricity is one of them.”

JCB France Managing Director, Philippe Girard, said; “We are delighted with Loxam’s confidence and interest in JCB’s first mini electric excavator.

”This innovative machine is taking the industry by storm and was designed by JCB to meet a growing demand for environmentally friendly machines that also reduce noise on construction sites.”

In October, it was announced that A-Plant in the UK had acquired 10 of the JCB electric excavators.

Loxam will show the electric mini on its stand at the Paysalia landscaping exhibition in Lyon on 3 to 5 December.