Falco Construction has partnered with UK Power Networks to trial two fully electric Takeuchi TB20e mini excavators in a two-year pilot program across London, the South East, and the East of England. The initiative aims to assess the viability of replacing Falco’s 120-strong diesel-powered fleet with electric models, a move that could significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
If the trial proves successful, Falco plans to invest over £6 million ($7.6 million) in transitioning its entire fleet to electric excavators, or “e-diggers,” as the company calls them. The Takeuchi TB20e models, weighing over 2 tonnes, are equipped with a 73-volt battery and can dig to a depth of 2.39 metres. They feature an on-board charger compatible with 95V to 265V single-phase power, with an optional off-board charger available for 340V to 460V three-phase power.
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“The Takeuchi Model is the first electric mini-excavator we have seen that performs comparably with more traditionally-powered diggers,” said Alan Seyfi, Support Services Director at Falco Construction. “We estimate that replacing our current 120-strong fleet with TB20e’s would directly remove over 200 tonnes of CO2e emissions each year and be a major step forward on our road to Net Zero.”
The trial aligns with broader efforts to reduce air pollution and achieve net-zero carbon emissions in London. Mete Coban, the city’s deputy mayor for environment and energy, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, “The Mayor is committed to reducing toxic air pollution and reaching his ambitious goal of net-zero carbon by 2030.”
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Katherine Jennings, Continuous Improvement Manager at UK Power Networks, highlighted the potential impact of the trial. “We are incredibly proud of this trial and excited about the initial positive findings. e-diggers could ultimately be a huge enabler in UK Power Networks and Falco achieving their joint Net Zero commitments,” she said.
The Takeuchi TB20e’s specifications include a track width of 980–1,300 mm and a height of 2,280 mm, making it suitable for a variety of urban construction tasks. The trial represents a significant step toward decarbonizing the construction industry, which has traditionally relied heavily on diesel-powered machinery.