In 2025 the powered access market saw more electric and hybrid machines enter the mainstream, including larger electric articulated booms and more hybrid range-extender solutions. Below are some of the most notable machines from 2025, with key specifications that matter to buyers and operators.
JCB A60E / A60EH – Electric & Hybrid Articulated Boom Lifts
JCB expanded its access range in 2025 with the A60E (all-electric) and A60EH (electric hybrid) articulated boom lifts. These machines sit in the 60-ft class and are designed to bridge the gap between compact electric booms and larger diesel rough-terrain machines.
The A60E is aimed squarely at zero-emission and low-noise environments, while the A60EH uses a diesel range-extender to maintain flexibility where charging infrastructure is limited.
Key Specifications
- Machine type: Articulated boom lift
- Power: Battery electric (A60E) / Hybrid diesel-electric (A60EH)
- Maximum working height: approx. 18.2 m
- Maximum horizontal reach: approx. 11.9 m
- Stowed length: approx. 8.8 m
- Stowed width: approx. 2.5 m
- Stowed height: approx. 2.3 m
- Machine weight: approx. 8,500–9,000 kg (depending on specification)
Why it matters
These machines show that manufacturer are now confident offering electric and hybrid options in mainstream boom classes, rather than limiting them to niche applications.
Genie S-85 XC E – All-Electric Telescopic Boom Lift
The Genie S-85 XC E is one of the clearest signs that electrification has reached the heavy end of the access market. This is a battery-electric telescopic boom with genuine rough-terrain capability and a working height close to 28 metres.
Key Specifications
- Machine type: Telescopic boom lift
- Power: Battery electric
- Maximum working height: 27.9 m
- Maximum horizontal reach: 22.7 m
- Stowed length: approx. 12.4 m
- Stowed width: approx. 2.49 m
- Stowed height: approx. 2.8 m
- Machine weight: approx. 17,600–18,000 kg
Why it matters
A fully electric telescopic boom at this size would have been unthinkable a few years ago. This machine proves that zero-emission operation is no longer confined to compact access platforms.
Genie S-85 XC FE – Hybrid Telescopic Boom Lift
Alongside the electric version, Genie also offers the S-85 XC FE, a hybrid telescopic boom lift. This combines battery power with an internal combustion engine to extend duty cycles and reduce reliance on charging infrastructure.
Key Specifications
- Machine type: Telescopic boom lift
- Power: Hybrid diesel-electric
- Maximum working height: 27.9 m
- Maximum horizontal reach: 22.7 m
- Stowed length: approx. 12.4 m
- Stowed width: approx. 2.49 m
- Stowed height: approx. 2.8 m
- Machine weight: approx. 18,000 kg
Why it matters
Hybrid machines like this reflect a more realistic transition strategy, reducing emissions and fuel use while retaining the flexibility operators need on demanding sites.
Niftylift HR17E – All-Electric Self-Propelled Boom Lift
The Niftylift HR17E is an all-electric articulated boom lift designed for urban, indoor, and emissions-restricted environments. While smaller than some of the machines listed above, it represents how mature electric drive systems have become.
Key Specifications
- Machine type: Self-propelled articulated boom
- Power: Battery electric
- Maximum working height: 17.2 m
- Maximum horizontal reach: 9.4 m
- Stowed length: approx. 6.35 m
- Stowed width: approx. 2.0 m
- Stowed height: approx. 2.1 m
- Machine weight: approx. 4,970 kg
Why it matters
This is a practical, proven example of full-electric access equipment working day-in, day-out in real environments, not just on paper.
Niftylift HR21 Hybrid – Higher-Reach Hybrid Articulated Boom
While not brand-new in 2025, the Niftylift HR21 hybrid continues to represent the direction many manufacturers are taking: hybrid power in higher-reach articulated booms.
Key Specifications
- Machine type: Articulated boom lift
- Power: Hybrid diesel-electric
- Maximum working height: approx. 20.8 m
- Maximum horizontal reach: approx. 13.0 m
- Stowed width: approx. 2.27 m
- Stowed height: approx. 2.15 m
- Machine weight: approx. 6,680 kg
Why it matters
Hybrid systems are proving to be a long-term solution, not a stop-gap, particularly for outdoor work where charging is unreliable or impractical.
What These Machines Tell Us About 2025
Across 2025, several clear trends emerged:
- Electric and hybrid MEWPs are now available in mainstream working heights
- Battery-only machines are reaching larger boom classes
- Hybrid systems remain critical for flexibility and uptime
- Machine size and capability are no longer being heavily compromised for electrification
For operators, fleet owners, and owner-operators, the key takeaway is simple:
electric and hybrid access equipment is no longer experimental, it is established.
Final Thoughts
2025 marked a shift from whether electrified access equipment would work, to how best to deploy it. The machines above demonstrate that manufacturers are now focused on refinement, usability, and real-world performance rather than novelty.
As regulations tighten and site expectations evolve, understanding these machines and their limitations as well as their benefits will become an essential part of working at height.
About the Author
This article has been edited, curated, and published by Danny Iwanejko, owner of DJI High Access Services Ltd and creator of Dan the Cherry Picker Man, bringing together key updates from manufacturers, industry bodies, and trade publications into an operator-focused summary.
Danny works hands-on in the powered access and high-access industry, using cherry pickers and specialist access equipment day-to-day across roofing, chimney work, inspections, and maintenance.
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