CASE Unveils Industry First Fully Electric Backhoe
(UC) — CASE Construction Equipment has introduced the construction industry’s first fully-electric backhoe loader.
Nicknamed “Project Zeus”, the 580 EV (Electric Vehicle) delivers power and performance equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the CASE product line and provides lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions — a motivating factor for utility and government contractors incentivized to work with equipment that leverages alternative fuels and lowers emissions.
An additional benefit of the 580 EV is the significant noise reduction compared to similar diesel-powered vehicles, especially while working in urban environments.
Two units have already been sold to utilities in the United States — NYSEG and RG&E, AVANGRID companies, and National Grid. CASE has the capability to produce additional units throughout 2020 before ramping up production to meet greater demand in following years.
“CASE built the very first factory-integrated backhoe loader in 1957 and has been at the forefront of backhoe innovation,” says Leandro Lecheta, head of construction equipment, North America, CNH Industrial. “The 580 EV is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability, the evolution of earthmoving equipment and truly practical innovation.”
“The backhoe loader is perfectly suited for electrification as the varied use cycles, from heavy to light work, provide an excellent opportunity to convert wasted diesel engine hours into zero consumption battery time — yet provide the operator with instantaneous torque response when needed,” says Eric Zieser, director, global compact equipment product line, CASE. “At low idle a diesel engine has reduced torque and requires time for the engine to ramp up to meet the load demands. Electric motors, on the other hand, have instantaneous torque and peak torque available at every operating speed.”
The 580 EV is the second major alternative-powered machine introduced by CASE.
The manufacturer rolled out the FPT Industrial methane-powered concept wheel loader ProjectTETRA at Bauma 2019. Electrification was performed in conjunction with Green Machine Equipment, Inc. and Moog Inc., and with direct input from utilities and other businesses focused on converting significant portions of their fleets to fully electric backhoes.
The 580 EV is powered by a 480-volt, 90-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged by any 220-volt/three-phase connection. CASE claims the battery will support most common eight-hour workdays.
CASE estimates the 580 EV could save fleets as much as 90 percent in annual vehicle service and maintenance costs when taking into account the reduction/elimination of diesel, engine oil, diesel exhaust fluid, regular preventive maintenance and long-term engine upkeep/maintenance (and the associated labor rates and time savings).
Each 580 EV comes standard with CASE SiteWatch™ telematics for additional monitoring and management of machine performance and utilization.
For more information on the new CASE 580 EV electric backhoe and details on ordering/commercial availability, visit CaseCE.com/580EV.
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