Zero Boundaries: LiuGong BEV Experience
Landmark event at company’s regional hub in Portsmouth marks strategic UK commitment
LIUGONG UK recently hosted a landmark event, ‘Zero Boundaries: LiuGong BEV Experience’, at their regional hub in Portsmouth, bringing together key partners and stakeholders to showcase their next-generation electric construction equipment and reaffirm their long-term commitment to the UK market.
The event welcomed industry experts including Viki Bell, chief executive officer of the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), and Ross McNally, chief executive officer of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, alongside key LiuGong dealers, customers, and representatives from leading industry bodies and regional business organizations.
Howard Dale, president of LiuGong Europe, reflected on the company’s global strategy and the importance of the UK as a hub of international co-operation and innovation.
‘We’re building a strong and sustainable future, across Europe and right here in the UK,’ said Mr Dale. ‘Our direction is clear. We are on a mission to empower people with intelligent, electric machinery and become a world-leading equipment and technology provider.’
Mr Dale emphasized that this vision is underpinned by LiuGong’s Three TOTAL Strategy, a framework first introduced at Bauma 2025, built on the pillars of Total Globalization, Total Solutions, and Total Intelligence.
Harry Mellor, LiuGong’s European product director, outlined the company’s leadership in battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology, with over a decade of development and real-world application, outlining LiuGong’s roadmap for future expansion across both BEV and internal combustion engine (ICE) categories.
‘By 2027, all major product categories will be launched in Europe,’ said Mr Mellor. ‘And by 2030, we aim to cover 85% of total industry volume. That’s what being a full-solution provider means for us.’
Mr Mellor presented the BEV Model Plan 2026, which includes 10 new machines, LiuGong’s first electric skid-steer loaders, reach stackers, and forklifts for Europe, plus expanded excavators and wheel loaders, including the 95-tonne 995FE and 35-tonne 8110TE.
He also highlighted the proven BEV performance across UK and European job sites, as well as the company’s innovations in battery, charging, and site energy systems. These are supported by the integration of AI, IoT, and ICT, enabling smarter, more connected job sites.
‘China leads in BEV technology, and LiuGong is a leader in China,’ Mr Mellor added. ‘But leadership isn’t just about innovation; it’s about application. Our electric machines have proven themselves on real job sites, with our highest-hour unit now exceeding 20,000h, a clear benchmark for long-term durability. If customers have any questions, we’re here to answer them. With over 10,500 BEVs in operation globally, we’ve got the data and experience to back it up.’
Viki Bell of the CEA, shared her perspective on LiuGong’s electric capabilities and the company’s growing role in the UK market.
‘The range that LiuGong have is phenomenal, and the BEV capability I’ve seen today has pleasantly surprised me,’ said Ms Bell. ‘The partners LiuGong have brought together to put the whole package together are going to be key to unlocking the market. UK customers will be encouraged by hearing from those already using the machines, as many operators now prefer them.’
She also spoke about the broader importance of the construction equipment sector to UK infrastructure growth, and the need for stronger government backing in zero-emission technologies. ‘The machines are there; now the Government needs to step up and put the infrastructure in place so they can operate efficiently and effectively,’ she said.
Hosting the event in Portsmouth, the home of LiuGong UK, served as a powerful symbol of the company’s long-term confidence in and commitment to the British market. Company leaders reaffirmed their ambition to expand UK dealer coverage, enhance regional service capabilities, and deliver electric solutions tailored to local customer needs.
The event also served as a platform to deepen partnerships and formalize forward-looking agreements. Paul Mitchinson, head of plant, engineering and asset maintenance at Holcim UK, shared the company’s experience trialling LiuGong BEV machines.
‘The experience we’ve had with the LiuGong machines has been very good,’ he said. ‘We put the bigger machine, the 870HE, into one of our south-west quarries, Callow, where the operators fully embraced the new technology. Now they don’t want to go back into the diesel area.’
He recognized LiuGong’s support in configuring the equipment to operator needs and said Holcim UK are now in a position to finalize a 20-unit electric wheel loader order for 2025, pending final approval from their global headquarters, with additional units under consideration beyond 2025.
‘I think the behavioural shift in the business is a big change. The product itself is a very robust and powerful unit and will be key to supporting our carbon-reduction programme going forward,’ said Mr Mitchinson.
A signing ceremony also marked several key developments reinforcing LiuGong’s growing momentum in the UK. This included the formalization of a new dealer agreement with Dragon Plant Sales (Wales). LiuGong also recently announced a new partnership with Lloyd Ltd, who now cover north-west England and Scotland as part of their expanding UK dealer network.
As LiuGong continue to roll out their strategic roadmap, UK operations will remain at the forefront, delivering global reach, full solutions, and intelligence-led technologies through their electric platform.
‘This event was about setting a clear direction for the future, for LiuGong as a company and for the dealers and customers we support,’ said Howard Dale. ‘It gave stakeholders a comprehensive look behind the scenes, from our parts distribution centre to our technical and service support platforms.
‘We’re confident in our strategy, proud of our progress, and committed to growing our presence across the UK and Europe. With the right people, partners, and products in place, we’re pioneering a smarter, more sustainable future for the construction industry.’
