Electric 1-ton mini-excavator in action

The first mass-produced electric mini-excavator is here! Inter-Techno, importer and dealer of Bobcat in the Netherlands, has already delivered the first units of the E10e, an all-electric 1-ton mini-excavator, to customers. And that's not all, according to Bertus Boer of Inter-Techno.

The whole world is talking about emission-free equipment and, above all, a lot is being promised, but there is no manufacturer other than Bobcat who is putting their money where their mouth is, Bertus notes. "Not surprising either, because it takes quite a bit of effort to make an emission-free construction machine. Bobcat was there early on and put more than six years into development. And that is now paying off in a machine that is not only mass-produced, but also suitable for the job. It is a full-fledged alternative to the internal combustion engine version."

A zero tail swing (ZTS) mini-excavator in the one-ton class, the E10e is perfectly maneuverable with a width of only 72 centimeters.

Full working day

The E10e is a zero tail swing (ZTS) mini-excavator in the one-ton class, has zero emissions, is very quiet and, with a width of only 72 centimeters, is perfectly maneuverable. The design is based on the E10z 1-ton internal combustion engine mini-excavator, of which more than 10,000 have been sold in ten years. "Since last May, we have had access to a pre-production model of the E10e and many customers have already had the opportunity to experience the electric construction machine," says Bertus. "The reactions have been laudatory, including the autonomy. In fact, the E10e can be used for a full eight-hour working day. On one battery charge, the machine can run autonomously for four hours. By then connecting the machine to an optional external Bobcat supercharger, the lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged during the operator's break to continue the workday."

By connecting the machine to an optional external Bobcat supercharger, the lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged during the operator's break.

High expectations

The first four copies of the E10e have recently been delivered to customers by Inter-Techno. Bertus: "We also have a demo model available ourselves to convince interested parties of the machine's qualities." Naturally, the E10e requires a larger investment than the regular diesel-powered E10z, yet Bertus has high hopes for the electric model. "Especially for large projects in cities, where zero emission is heavily rewarded, the E10e proves its added value and there is also room for such investments. Incidentally, Bobcat expects prices for electric machines to further normalize over the next five years. In particular, the small segment up to 25 hp will switch to machines with zero emissions. This segment is also virtually untouched by Europe in the current Stage V standards; no filters, no Adblue aftertreatment, etc. Europe-wide the push is on for this class to 'electrify'."

Bobcat has announced it will also introduce an electric version of the E19, Bertus reveals. "This mini-excavator in the two-ton class will be available before the end of next year. We can also expect an electric variant in the 2.5-ton class. In short, Bobcat is firmly pushing the 'electric' developments."