Yanmar unveils first electric mini excavator prototype

Yanmar Compact Equipment unveiled the new SV17e, the company’s first electric mini excavator prototype. The prototype is powered by an efficient electric drive and 48-volt batteries with fast charging capability providing a quiet, zero-emission machine designed to meet emissions restrictions. The SV17e is a mini excavator aimed at customers in the European market and plays in the 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes segment.

Yanmar takes a step into the field of electrification with its first mini excavator prototype, the SV17e. (Photo courtesy of Yanmar.)

“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.”

In preparation for its sales start in 2022, the prototype SV17e is currently undergoing Yanmar’s product testing regimen. These field tests aim to ensure a strong level of durability and reliability in the design and engineering.

“We are very pleased with the performance to date – as you would expect, we have a rigorous testing regimen which pushes every aspect of the machine to its limit,” said director of engineering EMEA, Sota Takami. “The machine has performed very well in all these tests. We are particularly pleased with the power, and control of the machine. I am confident that professional operators will be very comfortable in this machine, they will certainly feel the power, control and precision handling they will need to take on the big jobs as well as the small jobs.”

Yanmar Compact Equipment has prepared a short teaser film for the release of the new machine: