First Electric Bobcats Delivered to Sunbelt Rentals

Sunbelt Rentals, a North American equipment rental company, announced the delivery of the first Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loader to Sacramento, California, on September 29. Sunbelt Rentals is the first national rental company to adopt Bobcat all-electric technology, with the intent to support emission reduction goals for both its customers and the company itself.

The company has an exclusive rental agreement for the Bobcat T7X, making Sunbelt Rentals the primary source for customers to utilize this equipment. Sunbelt Rentals has a rapidly growing fleet of T7X compact track loaders that will be available for rent in California and other markets throughout North America.

The Bobcat T7X is the world’s first all-electric compact track loader and joins a Sunbelt Rentals fleet that also includes all-electric scissor lifts and skid steers, along with Ford F-150 Lightning trucks. This new equipment offering reflects the Sunbelt Rentals commitment to providing customers with innovation that is powerful, yet sustainable.

“Sunbelt Rentals is pleased that customers have access to innovative technologies like the Bobcat T7X through rental and that the equipment aligns with their sustainability efforts,” said Brent Coffey, director of product line management, Sunbelt Rentals. “Equipment such as this is a viable way to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint and decrease noise pollution, while also ensuring they have the excellent operating performance they need.”

The Bobcat T7X is powered by a 60.5KW lithium-ion battery and is designed to outperform its diesel-powered counterparts. It offers zero emissions and nearly silent operation so it can be used any time of day, even in urban areas where noise restrictions can affect working hours. The battery and all-electric powertrain reduce vibration for a better customer experience. The design is the result of a partnership between Bobcat and Sunbelt Rentals with the aim of bringing new all-electric equipment to the rental market.

“Bobcat’s partnership with Sunbelt Rentals demonstrates how both companies are forging the future of electric innovations to make these options available to consumers,” said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation, Bobcat Company. “The industry is ready for equipment that combines performance and zero emissions, so we are thrilled to partner with Sunbelt Rentals to electrify the construction business and offer a viable solution, like the all-electric T7X compact track loader.”

In 2021, Sunbelt Rentals announced that leading by way of ESG would be one of the five pillars of the company’s strategic vision. It is also a means to offer new low- and zero-carbon technologies for both its on-road fleet and its rental equipment offering for customers. The integration of the Bobcat T7X contributes to this vision.

Sunbelt Rentals isn't new to the electric vehicle game. Earlier this year, in April, Sunbelt Rentals announced the expansion of its electric on‐road fleet with the order of 700 Ford F‐150 Lightning trucks. In July of 2021, Peterbilt Motors ordered five battery-electric Model 579EVs from Sunbelt Rentals. The vehicles were planned for use delivering rental machinery to and from jobsites across the country.

Originally posted on Work Truck Online