Case announces fully electric backhoe
No emissions, lower operating cost among benefits of new EVCase Construction Equipment has lifted the covers off its new backhoe loader model but this one comes with a twist – the 580 EV (electric vehicle) is fully electric.
The backhoe loader, dubbed “Project Zeus”, was officially unveiled at the CONEXPO construction trade show held in Las Vegas recently. It is Case’s second major alternative-powered machine after “Project TETRA” – its methane powered wheel loader unveiled at Bauma 2019 mid last year.
Case claims the 580 EV is the industry’s fully electric backhoe loader, and more importantly, it is already in production and have been sold to several utility companies in the United States.
“CASE built the very first factory-integrated backhoe loader in 1957 and has been at the forefront of backhoe innovation,” said CNH Industrial North America head of construction equipment, Leandro Lecheta.
“The 580 EV is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability, the evolution of earthmoving equipment and truly practical innovation that drives real savings and competitive advantages for backhoe owners.”
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.
While applications will vary, each charge will support most common eight-hour workdays, Case said.
The battery separately powers the drivetrain and hydraulic motors which Case said gives hydraulic breakout forces equal to diesel-powered machines and improved performance during simultaneous loader and drivetrain operation.
“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,” said CASE global compact equipment product line director, Eric Zieser.
“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 operates with zero emissions, hence lowering carbon footprint for owners.
As the 580 EV eliminates the need for a range of oils and fluid to run, such as diesel exhaust fluid and engine oil, operators could save servicing and maintenance costs of up to 90 per cent each year, Case said.
Because it is significantly quieter than its diesel counterparts, the 580 EV is ideal for use in noise sensitive areas such as housing areas and urban environments.
Each 580 EV comes standard with CASE SiteWatch telematics for additional monitoring and management of machine performance and utilisation.
Besides the battery packs, the 580 EV has retained many of Case backhoe loaders’ tried and tested features.
This includes ProControl which allows for precise boom movement and placement, as well as Comfort Steer, which improves steering while working in tight quarters or in truck loading operations, Case said.
The machine’s cab is spacious with large windows that provide excellent sightlines to all sides of the machine. It also features new and enhanced joystick controls found in the most recent generation of Case’s N Series backhoes, as well as in-cab amenities such as premium seat options and Bluetooth radio.
Case said while the 580 EV will be sold at a higher initial price than diesel-powered backhoe loaders, it estimates that average fleets will see a payback on that premium in roughly five years.
So far, several units have already been sold to utility companies in the United States including NYSEG and RG&E, AVANGRID companies, and National Grid.
Case said it has the capability to produce additional units throughout 2020 before ramping up production to meet greater demand in following years.
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