Innovative Iron Award: Hyundai’s HX19e Electric Mini Excavator Has Serious Battery Capacity
Compact Equipment’s annual Innovative Iron Awards spotlight the year’s most game-changing compact machines, attachments and technologies. The 2025 class showcases major leaps in electrification, smarter control systems, automation, telematics and operator comfort. From battery-powered loaders and ultra-efficient mini excavators to intelligent hydraulic systems, self-leveling booms and climate-controlled cabs, these award winners reflect how innovation is reshaping performance, safety and sustainability across jobsites. Each honoree delivers measurable improvements — longer runtimes, faster cycles, lower emissions and better visibility — proving that compact equipment is evolving faster than ever. The future of earthmoving is here, and it’s smarter, cleaner and more connected. Here’s one of our 2025 Innovative Iron Award winners. Congrats!
Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe marked its electric mini excavator debut with a purpose-built machine that checks real-world boxes, not just sustainability headlines. Unveiled at bauma 2025, the HX19e proves that battery power can deliver full-day runtimes, familiar digging performance and practical charging flexibility in a compact footprint. Designed for urban work, utilities, landscaping and municipal jobs, this 1.9-ton class machine mirrors the capability of Hyundai’s diesel HX19A while cutting noise, emissions and operating costs. With long runtimes, fast charging options and built-in fleet connectivity, the HX19e earns its place as a 2025 Innovative Iron Award winner by showing how electric minis are ready for serious work right now.
We’ll note right here that the HX19e is not available in the United States right now, but we’re hoping it comes to North American shores soon. Hyundai’s new mini excavator weighs in at 5,062 lbs (2,296 kg) when equipped with a full cab and large capacity battery pack. According to Hyundai, the HX19e is a great option for urban utilities, landscaping and gardening, tunnel and basement excavation and for many local authority tasks, such as cemeteries and sports facilities.
Customers can choose between 32- and 40-kWh lithium-ion battery packs for the HX19e. Hyundai said the 40-kWh battery will allow customers to work for over 10 hours between charges. The mini excavator features a Type 2 connector so customers can use existing EV charging infrastructure.
Charging Options
The intelligent on-board charging unit can be used with 110V or 230V supply, offering a full recharge time of just 4.8 hours for the smaller 32-kWh battery and six hours for the 40 kWh. The HX19e is also equipped with a REMA DIN 320 connector, that permits rapid charging when 380V and 44V supply is available. In this case, a full recharge can take as little as 2 hours for the smaller battery and 2.5 hours for the larger model.
Hyundai explained that the batteries in the HX19e power a 13-kW electric motor, that in turn drives an open center hydraulic system. The new electric model boasts similar performance to Hyundai’s diesel-powered HX19A mini excavator, as well as the same 16-kN bucket breakout force. Other specs include a 9.4-kN dipper arm breakout force, maximum digging depth of 2,340 mm and maximum digging reach of 3,940 mm. The HX19e comes standard with a five-year Hi-Mate subscription — making fleet management more effective and helping to reduce operating costs.
More on the HX19e
The X19e comes standard with biodegradable Panolin VG46 hydraulic oil. Hyundai said this reduces the risk of contamination in the event of spills. Another perk of the HX19e is reduced service and maintenance costs when compared to a diesel model.
Here are some additional features, per Hyundai:
Hyundai will offer the machine with just four selectable options. This will include a choice of cab or canopy, plus the two battery capacities. All models will have a high standard specification, including safety valves on the main boom, dipper arm and dozer blade hydraulic cylinders. Two-way auxiliary hydraulic piping allows the machine to be used with a range of attachments and there are hydraulics for an optional quick coupler. The HX19e is also equipped with LED booms lights and rotating beacon, an MP3 radio with USB connectivity and an operator’s seat with mechanical suspension.
Pam Kleineke is managing editor of Compact Equipment.
