Prototype electric excavator developed by Yanmar

Yanmar Compact Equipment has developed its first prototype electric mini excavator, the SV17e, with the full commercial launch scheduled for Bauma in October 2022.

Described as an “important strategic step in the transformation of Yanmar”, the SV17e will be aimed at European customers and is powered by an electric drive and 48-volt batteries with fast charging capability.

The SV17e wil be powered by 48V batteries.

Cedric Durand, Director Product Management EMEA, said; “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”

“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.”

Sales of the production version will start at Bauma in October 2022, with the prototype now undergoing testing in the field.

Yanmar’s prototype SV17e mini excavator. It will be launched at bauma 2022.

Sota Takamo, Director Engineering EMEA, said; “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.”

Yanmar Compact Equipment CEO, Guiliano Parodi, said; “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.”

Yanmar launched its first mini excavator in 1968 and first zero-tail model in 1993. It has four manufacturing plants in Japan, France, Germany and the US.