As the construction industry continues its shift towards cleaner, quieter and more efficient equipment, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to balance sustainability with productivity. Italian manufacturer Merlo is addressing that challenge with its e-WORKER electric telehandler, a compact machine designed to deliver zero-emission operation without compromising performance.
A pioneer in telehandler technology, Merlo was the first company in Europe to industrialise telehandler production and has built a reputation for innovation, safety and engineering excellence. The e-WORKER reflects the company’s latest response to changing market demands, offering contractors, rental businesses and facility operators an electric alternative to conventional diesel-powered machines.
With a lifting capacity of 2.5 tonnes, a lift height of five metres and a 90 hp electric powertrain, the e-WORKER is engineered to reduce emissions, noise and operating costs while maintaining the capabilities required for demanding material-handling applications.
Safety First
Safety has been a key focus throughout the development of the e-WORKER. The fully electric drivetrain eliminates exhaust emissions while significantly reducing noise and vibration, creating a safer and more comfortable environment for both operators and those working nearby.
For OMEC, an Italian rental and logistics specialist, these features have proved particularly valuable.
“The zero-emission e-WORKER is extremely quiet, compact and manoeuvrable, making it ideal for working in confined spaces. It is also easy to use, making it perfect for less experienced operators, who can work safely from the outset”
The machine is equipped with a ROPS and FOPS-certified cab that provides protection against rollovers and falling objects without compromising visibility. Large glazed surfaces offer clear sightlines to both the load and surrounding work area, helping operators perform lifting and positioning tasks with greater precision and confidence.
For access applications, the e-WORKER can also be fitted with an aerial work platform featuring basket-mounted controls, enabling safe working heights of up to seven metres.
Quiet, Emmission-Free Operation
The benefits of electric equipment extend well beyond sustainability targets. The e-WORKER can operate in environments where noise levels and exhaust emissions are critical concerns, including indoor facilities, urban projects and environmentally sensitive locations.
At Belgium’s Azelhof Horse Events equestrian centre, the machine's quiet performance has delivered a practical advantage.
“It operates quietly and emission-free, allowing us to work without disturbing the horses.”
The absence of exhaust emissions also improves air quality in enclosed working environments, making the machine particularly suitable for warehouses, event venues and renovation projects.
Compact but Capable
Despite its compact dimensions, the e-WORKER is designed to deliver strong performance. A rear-wheel steering system providing up to 85 degrees of steering angle allows exceptionally tight turning circles and excellent manoeuvrability in restricted spaces.
Available in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, the machine can be adapted for a variety of applications, from indoor logistics operations to outdoor construction projects.
The electric powertrain provides immediate torque and responsiveness, eliminating the warm-up time associated with diesel engines.
According to Italian contractor Dennel Srl:
“There’s no need to wait for the engine to warm up. It’s faster and we can move it around easily.”
Operators can select between ECO, POWER and POWER+ operating modes, optimising energy consumption and performance according to the task at hand.
Productivity and Precision
Merlo has also focused on hydraulic performance, enabling smooth and precise simultaneous movements that improve efficiency during everyday operations.
OMEC highlights the versatility this brings.
“It combines various technical features with one major advantage: it can be used both indoors and outdoors.”
This flexibility allows businesses to use a single machine across multiple environments, helping to simplify fleet management and maximise equipment utilisation.
Long Runtime and Lower Costs
Battery autonomy remains one of the key considerations for electric construction equipment. Merlo states that the e-WORKER can provide up to eight hours of continuous operation, supported by energy-management systems designed to minimise consumption and downtime.
In practice, some users report even longer intervals between charges.
“We can use it for two or three days with a single charge,” says Sofia Ciotti of Ciotti Ponteggi.
A quick-release battery system and straightforward charging process further support productivity by reducing downtime.
The electric drivetrain also eliminates fuel consumption and reduces routine maintenance requirements, helping lower total operating costs over the machine’s lifetime. Users consistently cite lower running costs and reduced noise pollution among the machine’s most significant advantages.
Designed Around the Operator
Operator comfort has been another priority for Merlo. The e-WORKER features an ergonomic cab layout, intuitive controls, all-round visibility and a suspension seat designed to reduce fatigue throughout the working day.
LED work lights improve visibility in poor lighting conditions, while a simplified user interface helps make operation more straightforward.
Ciotti points to the machine’s compact footprint as a major benefit on constrained sites.
“Being compact, it allows you to work even in difficult spaces, simplifying daily operations such as unloading and positioning materials.”
Listening to the End User
A defining feature of the e-WORKER’s development has been Merlo’s close collaboration with its customers. By gathering continual feedback from operators working across construction, logistics and specialist sectors, the company has been able to refine the machine around real-world requirements.
The experiences shared by users across Europe underline a common theme: greater safety, ease of use, productivity and versatility. As electrification continues to reshape the equipment market, the e-WORKER demonstrates how battery-powered telehandlers can deliver practical benefits that extend well beyond emissions reduction, offering a compelling combination of performance, operator comfort and lower operating costs.
