Yanmar Compact Equipment has combined its engine and mini excavator expertise in the development of its first electric mini excavator prototype - the new SV17e.
The SV17e is aimed at customers in the European market and plays in the 1.5 to 2.0 tonne segment. Powered by an efficient electric drive and 48-volt batteries with fast charging capability, it’s a quiet and capable machine designed to meet the most demanding site emission restrictions. The design and engineering team have also set out to build a machine that offers the highest levels of comfort, ergonomics and operational power, precision, and control.
“Our prototype is significant because it demonstrates our capability to bring the quality and reliability of our highly respected conventional engine technology into the arena of electrification,” explained Product Management Director EMEA, Cedric Durand. “But we have gone further. As always, the operator is at the heart of this machine, and we have challenged ourselves to deliver the comfort, power, control and precision which we believe will surpass the expectations of professional operators.”
And Director Engineering EMEA, Sota Takami added: “We are very pleased with the performance to date – as you would expect, we have a rigorous testing regime which pushes every aspect of the machine to its limit. The machine has performed very well in all these tests. We are particularly pleased with the power, and control of the machine. Of course, this is a quiet, zero emission machine but that, in itself, is not enough. We must create a great feeling for the operator. I am confident that professional operators will be very comfortable in this machine, they will certainly feel the power, control and the precision handling they will need to take on the big jobs as well as the small jobs.”
More news soon, we hope. In the meantime, Yanmar has provided the teaser below to whet your diminutive excavator-related appetites.