The arguments about how much longer fossil fuels will last are rumbling on but Merlo has already been working on a contingency plan.

The Italian maker has developed a hybrid machine that uses a combination of lithium ion batteries, an electric motor and a smaller-than-usual 76hp engine to provide electric power for up to four hours in eco mode – a combination of electric and diesel – or two hours when powered solely by electricity.

In eco mode the diesel engine generates both hydraulic and electrical power. The hydraulic portion is used to power auxiliaries and the loader arm just like any other telehandler, while an electric motor directs a current to the wheels. The motor is connected to the wheels by a two-speed mechanical transmission with a top speed of 40kph.

A control unit dictates whether the power is supplied by the batteries or diesel engine, which depends on the level of charge of the lithium batteries. Merlo reckons this system can reduce diesel consumption by as much as 30%.