by Nick Drew | Mon 30 Mar 2020
Digger’s Conexpo Highlights: Case’s Backhoe is Electrifying
Case do love a concept project and at Conexpo they didn’t disappoint. Not only did they present the Project Tetra wheeled loader that was previously revealed at Bauma last year, they also displayed the Project Minotaur DL550B compact dozer loader. But perhaps the biggest surprise of all was its Project Zeus, all electric backhoe loader the 580 EV.
Case say that the power and performance of the 580 EV is equivalent to other diesel-powered backhoes in the company’s product line and provides considerably lower daily operating costs while also producing zero emissions.
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.
The battery separately powers the drivetrain and hydraulic motors, resulting in hydraulic breakout forces equal to diesel-powered machines and improved performance during simultaneous loader and drivetrain operation.
Its probably fair to say that the industry, especially those at the “coal face” remain highly sceptical about the practical elements of electric machines and the zero emissions claims, a quick scan of comments on social media platforms when these machines are discussed will confirm that. But whether we like it or not it is the future and with most major manufacturers now embracing electric power, we will be seeing a lot more of these things going forward.
Check out this video from Case on the 580 EV.