Construction and fossil-fuel-powered machinery currently go hand-in-hand. However, in a clear sign of what’s to come, Yanmar has unveiled its SV17e Electric Mini Excavator prototype, which shows that high-polluting construction machinery will likely be a thing of the past.
Yanmar Compact Equipment has a reputation for delivering fuel-efficient and sustainable engine technology. In what will come as excellent news for many, the company has utilised its engine, and mini excavator expertise in creating its first electric mini excavator prototype named the SV17e. This significant leap forwards represents an essential strategic step in the transformation for Yanmar Compact Equipment and the wider construction industry as a whole.
“Our aim, together with our dealer partners, is to build stronger relationships and create even greater customer value,” said CEO Giuliano Parodi. “Our transformation will embrace our entire business and will encompass new products with alternative fuel technologies. The SV17e prototype is a clear demonstration of our intent to build a sustainable business for our customers and dealer partners.”
The SV17e is aimed at customers in the European market and should be a gamechanger in the 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes segment. It is powered by an efficient electric drive and 48-volt batteries with fast charging capability. Another huge plus point with this machine is it’s quiet, and being electric powered has zero emissions.
In line with Yanmar Compact Equipment’s commitment to creating an exceptional customer experience, the appeal of SV17e goes beyond simply being an effective electric machine. The design and engineering team have set out to build a machine that offers high levels of comfort, excellent 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 Director Product Management 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.”
The SV17e is currently undergoing Yanmar’s rigorous product testing regime, and sales are expected to start at Bauma 2022. These tough field tests are uncompromising in their thoroughness to ensure a stringent level of durability and reliability in the design and engineering.
According to Director Engineering EMEA, Sota Takami, “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 undoubtedly feel the power, control and precision handling they will need to take on the big jobs as well as the small jobs.”
If you cannot wait until Bauma 2022 to see the new SV17e in action, Yanmar Compact Equipment has prepared a short teaser film that can be watched here. The short film emphasises the power, control and precision of the new machine and shows that even the smallest jobs deserve Yanmar’s innovation.
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