Boels invests in JCB electric telehandler

Boels Rental said it is the first rental company to offer electric telehandlers throughout Europe following an investment in JCB’s recently launched JCB 525-60E electric telehandler.

The rental company did not say how many units it has bought, but said the demand for electric handlers “is expected to take off and expansion in numbers will soon follow.”

Guy Cremer, Director Fleet Operations, Boels Rental (left) with Claudio Fiorentini, MD Global Major Accounts & Special Projects, JCB.

The investment is part of Boels’ push into electric powered machinery. Its electric fleet now includes vibrating compaction plates up to 17kN, 4.3 tonne wheel loaders, aerial platforms up to 20 metres and forklifts from 1.6 to 5 tonnes, as well as groundcare equipment.

Boels said it was positioning itself as a partner to help companies work more sustainably, either in the form of advice or electric machines.

Harm Munsters, Boels Fleet & Maintenance Manager, said; “We are constantly looking to supplement and expand our zero emission range. An electric telehander was missing. JCB’s new battery telehander offers the power that our customers demand.”

A JCB 525-60E electric telehandler in Boels’ colours.

The 2.5 tonne telehander has as much power as a conventional diesel telehander, with a 24 kWh Li-on battery providing enough energy for a full day’s work. Boels will also rent out an external fast charger, which can take the battery to 80% of charge in 1 hour.

An exclusive ‘test drive’ of the JCB 525-60E telehandler - carried out by experienced plant journalist Dan Gilkes - will be published in the September issue of International Rental News (IRN).