In a significant step toward decarbonizing building sites, Manitou Group and Kiloutou Group have partnered with Bouygues Construction Matériel to run their first electric telehandler that has been modified. Equans France, a Bouygues company, is also taking part in the pilot project, which is presently taking place in Nantes.
the biggest hospital construction site in Europe. The partners have a unique chance to assess the viability and effects of this sustainable, circular solution as this is the first time a combustion-engine telehandler powered by electricity is being tested in a real-world construction setting. Beginning in the beginning of between Manitou.
n a progressive move toward sustainability in construction and heavy equipment, three major industry players—Manitou Group, Kiloutou, and Bouygues Construction—have joined forces to test an innovative electric retrofit telehandler prototype. This partnership marks a significant step in the decarbonization of construction sector equipment and sets a benchmark for circular economy practices in the machinery.
Pioneering a Sustainable Shift
The retrofit project centers on converting a diesel-powered Manitou telehandler into a fully electric version, without compromising on performance or safety standards. This transformation is part of a broader industry initiative to reduce carbon emissions, extend equipment lifespan, and cut operational costs.
Manitou, a leading manufacturer of material handling equipment, has taken the lead in engineering the retrofit kit. The kit involves replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric drivetrain, integrating advanced battery technology, and ensuring compatibility with existing machine architecture. Kiloutou, one of Europe’s.
Largest equipment rental companies, contributes by identifying operational use cases and ensuring the retrofitted telehandler meets real-world rental requirements. Bouygues Construction, a global construction group, provides -site testing grounds and valuable operational feedback.
Environmental & Economic Impact
Retrofit technology provides a cost-effective and eco-conscious alternative to purchasing new electric machinery. Instead of scrapping older diesel machines, retrofitting allows companies to repurpose existing assets, drastically reducing waste and conserving resources.
According to estimates shared by the companies, retrofitting can cut carbon emissions by up to 60% over the machine’s lifecycle, while also lowering noise pollution and fuel consumption. This approach supports France’s national low-carbon strategy (SNBC) and aligns with European Union green transition goals.
Field Testing & Performance Evaluation
The first retrofitted telehandler, based on the popular Manitou MT 1335 model, has been deployed on a Bouygues Construction site. Early tests have focused on battery autonomy, charging efficiency, lifting capacity, and terrain adaptability. Operators have reported smooth transitions between functions, improved ergonomics, and a quieter operating environment.
The collaboration will continue over several months to gather long-term data. Kiloutou will evaluate customer interest and potential rental pricing models, while Bouygues will assess the equipment’s integration into active construction workflows.
Industry Significance
This partnership signals a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability across the equipment and construction sectors. It reflects a growing demand from clients and governments alike for greener operations, especially in urban and regulated environments where noise and emissions are critical concerns.
By pooling their expertise, Manitou, Kiloutou, and Bouygues aim to accelerate the commercial viability of electric retrofits, making them a scalable solution for the broader industry This project sets a precedent for cross-sector cooperation to address the environmental challenges of the 21st century—one retrofit at a time.
Looking Ahead
If field results continue to be positive, the electric retrofit kit could be rolled out commercially by 2026, initially across Europe, with global expansion likely to follow. The three companies also plan to collaborate on future retrofitting projects involving other types of construction machinery, broadening the scope of sustainable transformation.
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