6 electric construction machinery launches so far in 2024

OEMs continue to introduce new electric models or showcase prototypes, particularly for compact earthmoving machines but increasingly for material handling equipment, particularly telehandlers.

Adoption varies by region, with uptake of compact electric machines faster in Europe, for example, than it is in North America. That’s down to higher machine availability in Europe, while lower fuel taxes and a lingering affinity for ownership of machines in North America makes the economic argument for electric harder to make. Both regions lag China, where adoption is far higher.

In spite of the challenges aside, the past several years have seen nearly every OEM jump to launch electric machines over the past few years. And new product announcements have continued to arrive in 2024.

Looking only at machine used for moving dirt and materials that are already in full production, here are six equipment intros to arrive this year so far:

1) Case 12EV electric compact wheeled loader

CNH Industrial claims that its new 12EV, an electric compact wheel loader, offers similar or better performance than a diesel model of the same size.

A 23kWh cobalt-free, lithium-ion battery powers the 3.8t machine, which can handle a payload with pallet forks of 1.15 tonnes.

The machine’s 230V charger is capable of recharging the battery overnight. Alternatively, an optional 400V fast charger will take the battery from 20% to 80% in an hour.

2) LiuGong introduces electric machines to Europe

Liugong 9027FE electric excavator (Image: Liugong)

In April this year, at French construction show Intermat, China-based LiuGong announced five new electric machines for the European market.

The new equipment launched for Europe are the 9027 FE excavator, the 922 FE excavator and the wheeled loaders 820 TE, 856 HE and 870 HE.

The 9027 FE has a net power of 20.6kWh and an operating weight of 2,680kg (5,908 lbs), running for four hours between charges.

Meanwhile, the company said that the 856HE can operate for 10-12 hours on a single charge.

Howard Dale, chairman of LiuGong Europe, said that by 2027 the brand aimed to be in the top ten construction equipment players in Europe.

LiuGong has 40 different models of electric equipment available including excavators, wheeled loaders, skid steer loaders, motor graders, rollers and mining trucks.

The OEM started work on electric equipment in 2014 and in 2018 launched its first generation of electric equipment.

3) Dieci debuts all-electric telehandler

Dieci has unveiled its first fully electric telehandler, the Apollo-e. Built on the existing Apollo 26.6 chassis, the Apollo-e boasts a 2,600kg load capacity and a 6-meter lifting height. Power comes from a combination of a 19 kW traction motor and a 22 kW hydraulic system motor, delivering performance equal to a diesel-powered machine.

The Dieci-e can be equipped with one or two lithium batteries, providing a maximum power output of 44 kWh and a full day’s operation on a single charge. A key strength of this machine is its modular design. Users can adjust the number of batteries to match their performance needs and budget. Additionally, the Dieci-e is designed to accommodate future upgrades and new functionalities as they are developed by the company.

4) Polaris Unveils Electric Utility Vehicle

Polaris has launched the Pro XD Kinetic, an electric version of its heavy-duty Pro XD utility vehicle aimed at construction, equipment rental, and industrial applications. This heavy-duty electric UTV utilizes a 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery to deliver 140 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of 2,500 lbs (1,133kg). The Pro XD Kinetic can also haul up to 1,250 lbs (566kg) and offers a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge.

The vehicle can be plugged into a standard 110V wall outlet or generator at remote jobsites. It’s also compatible with 220V fast charging for quicker turnaround times. The electric powertrain comes courtesy of Zero Motorcycles, a partner of Polaris for the past decade.

5) Mecalac introduces 6t electric site dumper

Mecalac has taken the wraps off its eMDX, which it claims is the world’s first fully electric 6-tonne site dumper.

The eMDX boasts a 75 kWh battery, offering at least eight hours of continuous operation on a single charge. With frequent stops being commonplace on construction sites, this dumper’s autonomy is further enhanced, allowing for extended work periods. Recharging the eMDX is is possible using either a standard Type 2 plug (similar to electric cars) or a 5-pin industrial socket.

6) Yuchai Heavy Industry launches electric skid steers

Chinese manufacturer Yuchai Heavy Industry has introduced a lineup of electric construction equipment, including the S150, S35MAX, S35Pro, Z25, and X35 MAX electric skid steer loaders.

The S150 stands out as the largest electric skid steer loader currently available. This model features a built-in battery thermal management system to optimize battery efficiency. Yuchai claims that the wheel motor drive technology employed in these loaders delivers a faster response compared to traditional drive axles, translating to a 25% power increase over their diesel counterparts.

The S35 MAX boasts a continuous runtime of 9 to 11 hours on a single charge, which the OEM claims makes it the longest-endurance electric skid steer already in mass production. All Yuchai electric skid steers feature a universal attachment port, supporting a maximum charging power of 80kW.