Battery-powered earthmoving is reshaping construction with quieter, cleaner, and smarter machines

Battery-powered earthmoving equipment is changing the construction landscape. Driven by sustainability goals and advances in lithium-ion technology, leading OEMs are electrifying their fleets to deliver zero-emission, low-noise, and low-maintenance solutions for the next generation of jobsites. From compact track loaders to full-size backhoes, the shift toward battery power is no longer a concept — it's becoming reality.

Below are some of the most innovative battery-powered earthmoving machines introduced or showcased in recent years, offering a glimpse into the all-electric jobsite of the future.

Bobcat's T76e electric compact track loader concept

Bobcat's all-electric compact track loader concept, the T76e, offers emissions-free, fully electronic operation designed for future jobsite demands. 

According to Bobcat, a major innovation in the T76e is the controllability of horsepower and performance through electronic mechanics instead of the traditional hydraulic and diesel system. The company says that this loader concept will be foundational for innovations that will change compact equipment in a number of ways, from improved productivity and enhanced precision to more intelligent machines that bring new capabilities to the jobsite.

This concept machine features components from both Moog and Green Machine.

Learn more about the T76e here.

Gehl's compact skid-steer loader

Manitou Group has introduced a concept electric skid-steer loader under its Gehl brand. This zero-emission concept machine is powered by lithium-ion batteries, and Manitou Group says that it showcases the group's dedication to developing alternative-power machines. 

Based on the R165 compact skid-steer loader, the electric version has the same rated operating capacity of 1,650 pounds (750 kg). Noise levels are reduced drastically in this concept machine, and it is ideal for sites where noise needs to be limited, such as near schools and hospitals, and in indoor applications, such as demolition.

Learn more about the concept electric skid-steer loader here.

The world's first fully electric backhoe loader from Case

Originally named "Project Zeus," the 580EV from Case and its partners Green Machine and Moog is the world's first fully electric backhoe loader. Powered by a 480-volt lithium-ion battery pack, it can charge with a 220-volt connection and will run for most eight-hour workdays. 

When it comes to value, Case has run the numbers and expects that the average fleet will see a payback within five years. It is estimated that the 580EV will save fleets up to 90 percent in annual vehicle service and maintenance costs with the elimination of diesel, engine oil, DEF, and associated engine maintenance and labour costs. The 580EV can also open up contractors to new business opportunities where low or no emissions are a requirement.

This production-ready machine has been tested by utility companies and has already sold two units.

Learn more about the 580EV here.

Hyundai's R18E and R35E electric-powered compact excavators

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas demonstrated working prototype models of electric-powered compact excavators at both its indoor and outdoor exhibits at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020.

At its indoor exhibit, Hyundai showcased a prototype of the Hyundai R18E electric-powered compact excavator, which the company developed exclusively in-house.  The two-ton-class machine is designed for use both indoors and in urban settings. Offering power and productivity equivalent to the diesel-powered Hyundai R17Z-9A compact excavator, Hyundai says that the R18E is 60 percent more energy efficient.

Meanwhile, the outdoor exhibit featured a prototype of the Hyundai R35E electric-powered compact excavator. Powered by Cummins BM4.4E flexible battery modules (5.9 hp, or 4.4 kW, each), the Hyundai R35E excavator prototype is designed to support a full work shift and charge in less than three hours. The machine eliminates all gaseous emissions and substantially reduces noise, making it ideal for use in urban and suburban construction. 

Learn more about the R18E and R35E here.

Doosan's DX17Z-5 electric mini excavator

Doosan selected its 1.7-metric-ton size class mini excavator for its first electric model due to customer requests for a mini excavator that could work in confined spaces, requiring a machine with a narrow width to access the site.

An electric machine gives excavator operators the ability to do their work with a machine they're familiar with but without the inhibitions of diesel exhaust. 

The Doosan DX17Z-5 electric prototype mini excavator could be available for customers in North America as early as 2022.

Avant's battery-powered e5 compact loader

With no exhaust emissions and very low noise levels, the Avant e-series e5 compact loader is suitable for indoor use where there's limited ventilation or strict noise restrictions.

Avant's battery-powered compact loader features an integrated battery charger as standard, which makes it possible to charge batteries anywhere a 230-volt / 10A power outlet is available. The e-series can also be operated while charging the batteries, adding an extra level of convenience for the operator.

Learn more about the e5 compact loader here.