UK Power Networks Trials Electric Diggers to Reduce Emissions in London
Key Ideas
  • UK Power Networks partners with Falco Construction to trial zero emission electric diggers for network maintenance in London, the South East, and the East.
  • Falco's fully electric Takeuchi TB20e excels in performance compared to diesel counterparts and is 75% quieter, addressing environmental and noise pollution concerns.
  • The successful trial has allayed fears of range anxiety and power issues, with vehicles lasting three to five days per charge, marking a positive step towards cleaner air in London.
  • In parallel, construction company JCB's hydrogen combustion engine receives European certification, showing promise for the future of hydrogen technology in decarbonizing construction vehicles.
UK Power Networks (UKPN) has collaborated with Falco Construction to test zero emission electric diggers for network maintenance across London, the South East, and the East. The Takeuchi TB20e electric excavator from Falco is performing well in the trial, aiming to replace 120 diesel diggers. These electric diggers are not only environmentally friendly but also significantly quieter than their diesel counterparts. The successful trial has dispelled concerns about range anxiety and power issues, providing a greener solution for urban infrastructure maintenance in London. London's deputy mayor for environment and energy, Mete Coban, highlighted the importance of reducing air pollution from construction vehicles like diggers, especially in deprived areas of the city. UKPN expressed positive feedback on the trial, emphasizing its potential for construction and utility works in London and beyond. Meanwhile, JCB's hydrogen combustion engine has received approval for commercial use in Europe, indicating progress in hydrogen technology for construction vehicles. However, challenges remain, as hydrogen combustion engines produce nitrogen oxides and the hydrogen production process is carbon-intensive. Despite the advantages of all-electric solutions in decarbonization, heavy-duty vehicles face barriers like battery size and lack of EV charging infrastructure. The efforts to transition heavy goods transportation to cleaner technologies are hindered by high costs of vehicle and charging provisions, as evident in the UK's limited truck-specific EV charging locations.
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