Electrification in construction equipment is revolutionizing job sites. EVs offer zero emissions, lower costs, and unique advantages for urban, green and specialized projects. Purpose-built machines like the CASE 580EV backhoe are leading the way in transforming industry capabilities.
Case CE photo
Adoption of this technology is moving faster in some places than others, as urban contractors, municipal crews, utility teams and others weigh the benefits of investing in EVs.
The construction industry is full of changemakers.
We shape the land to make it fit our needs, we build the infrastructure that transforms societies and we innovate to meet new challenges. The construction industry is in the midst of a new kind of change — a wave of electrification in construction equipment with the potential to change the way we work on the job site.
Adoption of this technology is moving faster in some places than others, as urban contractors, municipal crews, utility teams and others weigh the benefits of investing in EVs. Some are embracing the new technology and discovering the unique benefits of electrification, some are waiting for the technology to mature while others are skeptical EVs will benefit their business at all.
Not all projects are suited for an EV. And not all EV machines are created equal to meet the demands of the job. But, projects with special requirements better suited for EVs are on the rise and a wave of practical innovation is under way, resulting in smarter, more efficient machines.
Electrification Opens Doors to More Opportunities
EVs are all about unlocking more opportunities for customers, giving them new tools in their toolbox to meet unique challenges. The fact is, there are more opportunities than most people realize. Think about it: a powerful electric machine that produces zero emissions, minimal noise and requires no diesel fuel — it changes the game for where, when and how crews get work done.
More and more, we're seeing projects with unique job site requirements. Whether it's urban centers with rules for noise or emissions, confined or congested job sites, nighttime projects or work that requires indoor operation — EVs provide a clear advantage for these kinds of jobs. EVs also open doors to winning contracts on projects that prioritize green credentials, which are becoming increasingly common.
These trends will only continue. 83 percent of the U.S. population lives in urban areas today, according to research from the University of Michigan, and that figure is expected to increase to nearly 90 percent before 2050, which will result in more confined and congested job sites. Many municipal and state governments are introducing more rules and incentives to encourage construction crews to minimize disruptions and environmental impact. Some states like California are even offering heavy-duty voucher funds to incentivize the purchase of clean off-road equipment. And green construction projects are on the rise, with LEED-certified projects growing at an average rate of 20 percent every year between 2017 and 2022.
Beyond these application and business opportunities, EVs come with a range of benefits that can help crews boost their efficiency and profitability. EVs can deliver performance and power equal to their diesel counterparts, but require less maintenance, zero diesel costs and lower total cost of ownership.
Does that mean every contractor should sell their diesel machines and switch to using EVs? Not exactly. There are still some jobs today that are better suited for diesel. But EVs can complement internal combustion engine machines for crews who want to diversify their fleets, offering a solution for projects where EVs may be the best tool for the job.
Remember that electrification in the construction industry is still in its infancy, and the technology is rapidly evolving. Consider how far EVs in the automotive industry have come in the past decade, as the median driving range has more than doubled in just 10 years. EV construction equipment could see a similar pace of change, which is why continued investment in electrification R&D is worthwhile.
Building Better EVs
The key to making electrified construction equipment successful on the job is making sure they're purpose-built for electrification, so they can deliver emissions-free performance in a way that makes sense in the field. Instead of simply retrofitting existing diesel machines, it's critical to look at every aspect of the machine to see how systems can be optimized for electrification. By purpose-building new machines to be an EV from day one, we can create more energy-efficient machines to boost performance in both the battery and the machine.
Case considered this as it designed and developed its new electric backhoe loader, the 580EV. After debuting its first electric backhoe concept, named Project Zeus, at ConExpo in 2020, Case gathered a tremendous amount of customer feedback that influenced the final design, according to Case.
The result is a machine that can deliver the same breakout forces and dimensional digging specifications as its diesel counterpart, while also serving up all the benefits of electrification, according to Case.
It's an exciting time for the industry, as advancements in electrification transform what we can achieve on the job. EVs provide new ways for construction contractors, utility teams and municipal crews to further improve their productivity, efficiency and profitability on projects that require innovative solutions.
Most exciting of all, the EV evolution has just begun. As the technology continues to evolve, we're sure that crews all over will find new ways to use EV machinery to grow their business.
Today's top stories
