Digital launch for new JCB electric products

Company hosts first-ever virtual press conference to unveil new range of 100% electric machines

FOLLOWING the Government’s announcement of a 10-point plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which includes the intention to build on the UK’s strength in electric vehicles and hydrogen, JCB have successfully held their first-ever virtual press conference showcasing the latest in electrical machinery solutions.

JCB are fully supportive of the Government’s ambitious plans to make strides towards net zero by 2050 and the new JCB products unveiled yesterday (18 November) will play a crucial role in the future, as the company strives to achieve zero emissions as part of its ‘Road to Zero’ programme.

The hour-long live stream – which took place at JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester – saw the unveiling of new 100% electric machines (for the construction and agricultural sectors) and the latest technological developments in clean electric charging.

Following the launch of the new 19C-IE earlier in the year, JCB are now offering a fully glazed cab on their electric mini-excavator which, the company says, is an industry first in the compact electric machinery market. 

The addition of the E-Tech cab option will increase the appeal of the 19C-1E in countries and territories with poor weather conditions, where a canopy is not suitable. The new cab provides a dry, comfortable operating environment throughout the working day, with a locking door adding to the security of the machine for contractors and rental firms.

Among the other latest innovations presented at the digital-format event was the launch of the JCB 525-60E – the company’s first-ever electric Loadall model as the expansion of its ETech range of zero-emissions machines gathers pace.

Designed to deliver the same performance as the conventional diesel-powered machine, the 525-60E offers a zero-emissions load-handling solution for construction, industrial and agricultural customers.

Also, shown for the first time was an electric version of JCB’s HTD-5 Dumpster tracked carrier, alongside the new all-electric IT-E site dumper.

‘In a matter of just a few years, JCB have gone from having no electric machines to now having a wide range of electric products,’ said Tim Burnhope, JCB’s chief innovation and growth officer.

‘Today, customers want reliable, efficient and robust machinery solutions, providing low total cost of ownership. But times are changing, and the speed of technological change is transforming the way we now operate in response to the environmental challenges facing the industry.

‘It’s important that we keep up with the pace of change and JCB’s vision is to be at the forefront of developing innovative near-zero emission diesel engines and ground-breaking electric technologies that will have a positive impact on climate change.’