From 12 to 16 October, an electric fleet successfully shifted shingle from White Point in Eastbourne to North-east Beach in Sovereign Harbour. The fleet, which included a 22-tonne excavator, tipper trucks, hybrid bulldozers and 4x4s, carried out the work as part of annual efforts to protect the coast from flooding and erosion.
The “Electric October” trial demonstrated that battery-powered machinery can cope with the demanding conditions of a working beach, while significantly cutting emissions and fuel costs. Data gathered on productivity, reliability, battery performance, and operator experience confirmed that electric machinery can effectively perform the required tasks.
The results are expected to influence future decisions regarding the adoption of lower-emission equipment for beach management, coastal construction, and flood and coastal erosion risk management projects nationwide.
“"Electric October has shown us that this technology is not just a nice idea, it can work in a real operational environment. Watching a fully electric excavator and fleet of vehicles keep pace with our teams on the beach has been genuinely exciting, and it’s given us real confidence about how we can run these essential operations more sustainably in future."
“"Keeping shingle moving along this stretch of coast is essential to protecting homes, businesses and infrastructure from flooding and erosion. This trial has shown that low-carbon technology can do that job just as effectively as traditional machinery, giving us a clear and practical route towards cleaner coastal defence in the future."
This trial is part of broader initiatives by the Environment Agency to identify innovative solutions for environmental challenges and ensure community safety from flooding and erosion.
Background: Electric October was a joint innovation project between the Environment Agency and industry partners, testing low-carbon machinery on live coastal defence works. The Pevensey to Eastbourne Coastal Management Scheme covers 15km of coastline in southeast England and is projected to cost around £140 million over the next 10 years. The Environment Agency currently manages the 9km Pevensey stretch and will take over management of the Eastbourne Frontage from Eastbourne Borough Council from June 2027. Further beach modification and coastal flood protection works are planned between 2027 and 2037.
