First battery-powered mini-excavator from Wacker Neuson wins SaMoTer Innovation Award

By MEq February 6, 2020 22:13

The first fully electric, battery-powered mini-excavator from Wacker Neuson, EZ17e, performs and handles just like a diesel-powered model. For this innovative development, the jury of the SaMoTer Innovation Award 2020 awarded the electric mini-excavator with the Innovation Award in the category hydraulic mini-excavators.

Wacker Neuson is strengthening its position as an innovation leader in the zero-emission segment with machines like the fully electric excavator EZ17e. In Verona, the mini-excavator was awarded the SaMoTer Innovation Award 2020. The innovation was selected in the category hydraulic mini-excavators, among other things, for its efficiency, the optimal integration of the electric drive as well as its performance, which corresponds to that of the diesel-powered model.

High flexibility in use
The EZ17e excavator can run entirely on its battery. Yet, it can also be operated while connected to the mains – and even charged while in operation – thanks to its smart charging management system. This makes it the ideal solution for environments where emissions and noise have to be kept to a minimum, for example in urban areas, for indoor work or on sites close to schools and hospitals.

Combined with other solutions in the Wacker Neuson zero-emission range, this machine can contribute to reducing noise and eliminating emissions on construction sites. As the mini-excavator is a zero tail model, it offers no overhang. Operators do not have to worry about damaging the machine when working close to walls or in confined spaces as the tail of the excavator never extends beyond the undercarriage. This also makes the EZ17e ideal for tunnel construction, demolition, and redevelopment work in confined spaces, as well as for restoration projects inside buildings. These are precisely the types of environments where contractors need powerful, compact machines that can be operated without any emissions.

No compromises in performance
“Wacker Neuson has been manufacturing innovative, practical and cost-efficient equipment for 170 years. We’ve channeled years of experience and expertise in zero-emission products into our first mini-excavator with battery and electric drive technology. Our development work always focuses on usability and customer value. This is why we make no compromises when it comes to performance, with power ratings matching those of our diesel-powered model,” explains Martin Lehner, CEO of the Wacker Neuson Group. All hydraulic functions are as powerful as those of the conventional model. The battery is integrated into the existing engine compartment. The EZ17e weighs almost exactly the same as the diesel version and can, therefore, be transported on a trailer.

Easy to handle – low maintenance – reliable drive
The electric excavator EZ17e is powered by the latest lithium-ion technology, which Wacker Neuson has been using and continuously developing for many years now. Long battery life is one of the key features here, allowing the fully electric excavator to be operated for a full working day. The battery can be charged overnight via a domestic socket (110-230 V), or in just four hours using a high-voltage current. Service teams do not need any extra training for servicing the machine, making the electric excavator particularly attractive to rental parks.

“Electric drives are becoming increasingly important. For rental companies in particular, these solutions are an interesting supplement to existing fleets as many of their customers rent products for specific projects such as renovation work inside buildings or tunnel construction,” adds Alexander Greschner, CSO of the Wacker Neuson Group. “Electric drives are also low maintenance. This is a huge benefit as it reduces maintenance time and costs and maximizes machine availability.”