In 1957, CASE Construction Equipment built the world’s first factory-integrated backhoe loader. Ever since the company has been at the forefront of backhoe innovation. To maintain that reputation, and strengthen its commitment to sustainability, CASE created the 580 EV (electric vehicle) – an evolution of earthmoving equipment that’s emissions-free, lowers daily operating costs (up to 90% a year), and is remarkably quieter making for a better work environment. The reduced noise pollution generated by the machine is also ideal for urban environments that are close to people.
Eric Zieser, CASE’s director of the global compact equipment product line, said:
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. 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 – also known as “Project Zeus” – boasts equal power and performance to other diesel-powered backhoes in the CASE product line. It is powered by a 90kw lithium-ion battery that can support ordinary eight-hour sessions. Construction equipment uses a lot of gas, so turning them electric is a great way to steer the world away from fossil fuels. The EV is better for the environment, for those having to use it, for the owners’ pockets, and it performs identically if not better than the same vehicle running on fossil fuels.
Zieser said:
The 580 EV performs like a CASE backhoe — matching the power and performance expected from CASE with the advantages of an electrified machine. Operators will experience the same digging, lifting, and craning performance achieved in a diesel-powered machine in a quieter, emissions-free work area. That’s the ultimate goal of our sustainability efforts — improve the world around us, make equipment more sustainable, and to do so while finding new ways to improve productivity and the experience of the people who use the equipment.
The company will now continue to explore sustainable solutions in the electrical equipment market, as well as alternative propulsion systems for equipment and alternative fuels for the rest of their product lines. It aims to help the construction industry achieve sustainability without having to sacrifice power and performance.
Zieser said:
We’re proving the viability of electrification at the larger end of the compact and light equipment spectrum. Our goal now is to further expand electrification and alternative propulsion into other product lines and markets that will also see the benefits from these advances related to sustainability and performance.
CASE has already sold two of its new 580 EV backhoe loader and intends to scale up production as demand grows. In the coming years, restrictions to lower emissions will naturally require the transition to electric vehicles in all sectors. As it now stands, building and construction combined are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions worldwide. Of course, the heavy machinery is but a small percentage of this but a contribution that must be eliminated nonetheless.
