Case unveils fully-electric backhoe loader, begins delivery this year

Case Construction Equipment's move toward alternative propulsion took another step forward at March's ConExpo-Con/Agg Show when it revealed “Project Zeus,” also known as the 580 EV electric backhoe loader. Leandro Lecheta, head of construction equipment in North America for CNH Industrial, was quick to point out that the fully-electric machine is not a concept - it's available for sale today and already has two customer orders in the U.S.

The 580 EV is Case's first formal entry into the electric-equipment market. “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 Eric Zieser, Case director of global compact equipment product line. “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.”