Award-winning e-digger trial drives expanded fleet decision
An award-winning electric digger trial by Falco Construction and UK Power Networks has resulted in an expanded fleet about to hit the streets of London.
The electricity firm and contractor collaborated in 2024 to trial two Takeuchi TB20e over the course of two years, with the ambition of replacing traditional diesel-powered machines.
The trial that won the Environmental Innovation Award at the City of London’s Considerate Contractors Street Works scheme in 2025, is now bearing fruit as the first pair of excavators will be joined by a fleet of 15.
Greener, cleaner and quieter, the machines will work predominantly on groundworks and underground cables on the local electricity network.
Perfect for busy city environments, the machines help crews work within strict noise limits. They can achieve an 80% charge in two hours and run for up to three days on a single charge, delivering a practical, low-emission solution for utility excavation works.
Kevin Parcell, managing director of Falco, said: “This new consignment of e-diggers exemplifies our overall commitment to decarbonise Falco’s operations and make good on our target to achieve net zero by 2035.
“Our operatives quickly built confidence in using electric excavators, with the lack of emissions and noise combined with commensurate performance, they wouldn’t now go back to diesel.”
UK Power Networks director of network operations, Patrick Clarke, said: “The success of our trial shows that cutting emissions doesn’t mean compromising performance.
“Working with Falco, we've proven electric excavators can be a practical and effective solution.
"Expanding the fleet is a significant step forward, helping us reduce emissions, lower noise and improve the experience for local communities while continuing to deliver a reliable electricity supply. This is a great example of innovation becoming business as usual."
Published: 7/10/2026
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The electricity firm and contractor collaborated in 2024 to trial two Takeuchi TB20e over the course of two years, with the ambition of replacing traditional diesel-powered machines.
The trial that won the Environmental Innovation Award at the City of London’s Considerate Contractors Street Works scheme in 2025, is now bearing fruit as the first pair of excavators will be joined by a fleet of 15.
Greener, cleaner and quieter, the machines will work predominantly on groundworks and underground cables on the local electricity network.
Perfect for busy city environments, the machines help crews work within strict noise limits. They can achieve an 80% charge in two hours and run for up to three days on a single charge, delivering a practical, low-emission solution for utility excavation works.
Kevin Parcell, managing director of Falco, said: “This new consignment of e-diggers exemplifies our overall commitment to decarbonise Falco’s operations and make good on our target to achieve net zero by 2035.
“Our operatives quickly built confidence in using electric excavators, with the lack of emissions and noise combined with commensurate performance, they wouldn’t now go back to diesel.”
UK Power Networks director of network operations, Patrick Clarke, said: “The success of our trial shows that cutting emissions doesn’t mean compromising performance.
“Working with Falco, we've proven electric excavators can be a practical and effective solution.
"Expanding the fleet is a significant step forward, helping us reduce emissions, lower noise and improve the experience for local communities while continuing to deliver a reliable electricity supply. This is a great example of innovation becoming business as usual."
Published: 7/10/2026
Back to news