Movers and shakers: 5 electric construction machines introduced so far this year

Adoption of electric alternatives to ICE-powered construction equipment varies from region to region, but there’s no question the technology is catching on and spreading to a wide variety of machine types.

Primarily associated with compact earthmovers, electricity is now powering material handling equipment as well, particularly telehandlers, with many OEMs introducing new models, showing prototypical concepts, or announcing intentions to offer electric versions. (We have one in our list below.)

In North America, adoption of electric machines is slower than in Europe, for example, for reasons including low machine availability, a lingering affinity for the concept of ownership, not to mention lower fuel taxes that make the economic argument harder to make. In contrast, China’s adoption is surprisingly high.  

When it comes to rental, Chris Sleight, managing director of Off-Highway Research, says it doesn’t play perfectly to the strengths of electric equipment, which center on the argument for a lower total cost of ownership, including lower energy costs. How much of the benefits will be fully realized by rental companies is a topic for discussion.

Challenges aside, electric-powered equipment is the hot ticket in machine introductions, for just about every OEM, and has been for several years now. With that in mind, here are a few equipment intros since the start of 2024. We limited this list to machines used for moving dirt or materials, and which are already in full production. 

Let’s take a look... 

Case 12EV electric compact wheeled loader

Case CE unveiled the 12EV, an electric compact wheel loader.

Case CE unveiled the 12EV, an electric compact wheel loader said to offer comparable or improved performance compared to a diesel model of the same size.

Weighing 3.8 tonnes, the loader features as much power as its diesel counterpart and is equipped with a 23kWh cobalt-free lithium-ion battery pack, enabling a payload with pallet forks of 1.15 tonnes.

The 23kWh battery provides the 12EV with three to six hours of operating autonomy, depending on the application. It comes with a standard 230V charger, which can replenish the battery overnight, or an optional 400V fast charger that takes just one hour to charge the battery from 20% to 80%.

Dieci Apollo-e fully electric telehandler

Dieci’s Apollo-e is the company’s first all-electric telehandler. It’s based on the chassis of the existing Apollo 26.6 model, with a load capacity of 2600kg, lifting height of 6m, and powered by a 19 kW traction

Dieci’s Apollo-e is the company’s first all-electric telehandler.

motor and 22 kW hydraulic system motor. The combination means the unit offers the same performance as a diesel machine.

The Dieci-e is available with one or two lithium batteries, providing a maximum power output of up to 44 kWh and up to a full working day on a single charge.

Modularity is one of this vehicle’s greatest strengths, with the ability to change the number of on-board batteries, meaning the performance and purchase cost can be adapted. There is also the ability to add new functions and plug-ins that are still being developed by the company and update the machine as innovations in the sector develop.

Polaris Pro XD all-electric utility vehicle

Polaris launched an electric version of its heavy-duty Pro XD utility vehicle for applications in construction, equipment rental and industry.

Polaris launched an electric version of its heavy-duty Pro XD utility vehicle.

The Pro XD Kinetic vehicle – a heavier duty version of its Ranger electric utility truck – uses a 14.9kWh Lithium-Ion battery to provide 140lb-ft (190Nm) of instant torque and the ability to tow up to 2,500lbs (1,133kg) and haul up to 1,250lbs (566kg). It has a range of up to 45 miles (72.4km) on a single charge.

Charging is via a standard 110V wall outlet or generator at remote jobsites, and it is also compatible with 220V fast charging. The electric powertrain is supplied by Zero Motorcycles through its exclusive 10 year partnership with Polaris.

Mecalac eMDX 6-tonne electric site dumper

Mecalac revealed its all-new eMDX electric site dumper, which the company says is the first 100% electric 6-tonne dumper in the world.

The model, known as eMDX, is said by the company to be part of its drive to deliver more sustainable solutions and marks a major step forward for the construction industry, meeting growing demand for

Mecalac revealed its all-new eMDX electric site dumper.

environmentally friendly urban equipment.

The 6-tonne electric dumper is equipped with a 75-kWh battery and is said to have an uninterrupted operating time of at least eight hours on a single charge, and a rapid recharge of just four hours. As frequent stops are the norm, this autonomy is further increased, allowing extra hours of work.

The eMDX is powered by a type 2 plug, similar to that used in cars and can also be recharged via a 5-pin industrial socket, directly on a switchboard or site unit.

Yuchai Heavy Industry launches electric skid steers

China-based OEM Yuchai Heavy Industry has launched a series of electric products, including the S150 Electric Skid Steer Loader, S35MAX Long-Endurance Electric Skid Steer Loader, S35Pro Electric Skid Steer Loader, Z25 Mini Loader, and X35 MAX Electric Skid Steer Loader.

The S150 Electric Skid Steer Loader is currently the largest tonnage electric skid steer loader available. This model features a built-in battery thermal balance system, maximizing the battery’s efficiency.

The OEM says that, thanks to wheel motor driving technology, the machine can achieve faster response compared to traditional drive axles, increasing power by 25% compared to its diesel fuel counterpart.

China-based OEM Yuchai Heavy Industry has launched a series of electric products.

It adopts the national standard fast-charging port as the one used on electric vehicles, supporting a maximum charging power of 80KW. With a universal attachment port, it offers a wide range of attachment options for various working condition.

The long-endurance S35 MAX Electric Skid Steer Loader can work continuously for 9 to 11 hours on a full charge – the OEM claims that this makes it the longest-endurance electric skid steer loader globally that is already in mass production.