Electric excavators in London are so quiet, a “nervous dog” would pay them no heed

Electricity distributor UK Power Networks and Falco Construction, an English multi-utility contractor, are trialing electric diggers for underground work in London.

Falco is currently deploying two of the diggers, and hopes to eventually replace all of its 120 diesel-powered excavators with the zero-emission Takeuchi TB20e mini-excavators, which would “directly remove over 200 tonnes of carbon emissions each year,” Falco said. Also, the TB20es produce 75% less noise—the equivalent of 13 decibels—when compared to non-electric diggers.

Most of London’s electric power lines are located underground, and because they are traditionally found just below the surface of the road, maintenance work on the lines is carried out at street level, where excavators are essential. Although this work is necessary for maintaining electrical service to the city of 8.9 million people, it can be disruptive to flowing traffic, as well as causing tremendous noise and air pollution.

The lack of excessive noise at Falco’s now much quieter work site in Walthamstow, a town within the London Borough of Waltham Forest in East London, was not lost upon locals. Vanessa Brooks, who works with animals at a nearby veterinary clinic, told a reporter that the noise she experiences isn’t “anything over and above what a nervous dog would normally experience going for a walk.“ She also commented that the use of e-diggers is particularly beneficial for slower-moving populations such as the elderly, who would otherwise be exposed to harmful exhaust fumes as they walk through the area.

UK Power is planning to roll out additional low-carbon machines in London, including EVs and heat pumps.

“E-diggers ultimately could be a huge enabler in UK Power Networks and Falco achieving their joint Net Zero commitments,” said Katherine Jennings, Continuous Improvement Manager at UK Power.

“We know that construction vehicles such as diggers contribute significantly to air pollution, which is why the mayor has tightened standards across London,” said Mete Coban, London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy. “It’s great to see companies like UK Power Networks and Falco Construction leading the way and rolling out electric diggers.”

Source: UK Power Networks

from Charged EVs https://ift.tt/Sev08PM