The new 35 kW swing‑drive packs a planetary gearbox and a permanent‑magnet motor, giving operators a punchy power boost for 20‑tonne excavators. It’s a clear step beyond the 4–10 kW units that most electric excavators run on today.
The system’s 35 kW output translates to roughly 47 horsepower, enough to keep a 20‑tonne machine moving at 10 km/h even during heavy digging. For buyers, that means fewer stops for re‑charge and a more consistent workflow.
Bonfiglioli’s move sits beside Volvo’s EC55 Electric, which offers 7 kW of swing‑drive power. While Volvo targets compact excavators, Bonfiglioli is aiming at the larger end of the market, where the demand for high‑bulk, low‑noise electric solutions is still budding.
India’s push for electrification in construction and warehousing is backed by Frost & Sullivan’s report that labels intralogistics as a fast‑growing EV niche. As pallet trucks, stackers, and AGVs become electric, the need for compact gear motors and integrated drives will rise.
The company has already cut delivery times for its electric motors from 12 weeks to four weeks by setting up a plant in Mannur, Tamil Nadu. That local manufacturing capability will help it meet the tight lead times that buyers in the construction sector expect.
Off‑highway sales grew 36.36 % to ₹320.38 crore in H1 2026, mostly thanks to higher OEM volumes. However, the shift to electric has yet to drive that growth, indicating a sizeable untapped opportunity.
The 35 kW swing‑drive was unveiled in October 2025; production will likely start in late 2026, with initial deliveries slated for major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Buyers should keep an eye on the rollout and pricing once the product is available on the market.