Yellow machines are going electric. CASE Construction Equipment debuted its Project Zeus electric backhoe concept at CONEXPO in 2020. Since then, the company has used customer feedback to guide the development of a production electric model: the 580EV electric backhoe loader.

CASE’s next-generation EV offers a zero-emission, low-noise solution suitable for work in urban centers or other environments where noise and emissions are an issue, while delivering other EV advantages such as instant torque, lower fuel costs and less maintenance. 

The new CASE 580EV electric backhoe loader offers the same dimensional loading and digging specifications and delivers the same breakout forces as the company’s 4WD, 97 hp CASE 580SN diesel model. It also offers new features, including an 8-inch color display, air conditioning and adjustable four-corner, multicolored LED strobe lights.

Powered by a 400-volt, 71 kWh battery pack that’s charged with a standard Level 2 J1772 connector, the new electric backhoe loader is designed to deliver up to eight hours of operational run time on a single charge, depending on the application. The battery platform uses a thermal management system with system-specific cooling circuits to help maintain performance in hot or cold conditions.

“Designing this machine from day one as a purpose-built EV instead of a retrofit has enabled a slew of practical innovations that will positively change the mindset for teams considering EV equipment,” said Brad Stemper, Product Management Lead, North America. “We looked at every aspect of the machine and enhanced power consumption throughout to deliver exceptional EV performance that operators will see and feel when digging, loading or moving dirt.”

The four-wheel-drive 580EV uses two independent electric motors for the PowerDrive transmission and hydraulic pumps feeding the loader, backhoe and steering systems to minimize energy consumption and improve performance in loading applications.

CASE’s electric backhoe loader will soon be followed by the commercial availability of two additional EVs: the CX25EV 2.5-metric ton mini-excavator and the CL36EV 3.6-metric ton compact wheel loader. The new models will expand CASE’s EV lineup to five models, including the previously launched CX15EV electric mini excavator and the SL22EV small articulated loader.

“These new machines set a new benchmark in electrification and sustainable construction, and they’re a testament to our customer-centered approach to practical innovation as we expand our product portfolio,” said Terry Dolan, VP, North America. “Electrification brings real-world solutions to unique jobsite demands, helping urban construction contractors, utility teams, municipal crews and other contractors further improve productivity, efficiency and their bottom line.”

Source: CASE Construction Equipment