Case Construction Equipment's 580 EV electric backhoe -- which made quite a splash at the 2020 ConExpo -- has now received design kudos, earning a 2020 Good Design Award.
The Good Design Award is conferred by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.
Selection criteria for the award includes innovative design, new technologies, form, materials, construction, concept, function, utility, energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity. Entries were received from 48 countries.
Case CE parent CNH Industrial says the 580 EV will be delivered early this year. Case CE indicated at ConExpo that the machine was already in production and models had been sold to U.S. utility companies.
The Case 580 EV unveiling at the 2020 ConExpo.Equipment World
The 580 EV is powered by a 480-volt, 90 kWh lithium ion battery pack. This battery pack separately powers the drivetrain and hydraulic motors of the machine, the key for achieving equal breakout forces to those found on diesel-powered machines.
And when the 580 EV is in simultaneous operation of the loader and drivetrain, the battery pack actually delivers better performance than its diesel counterpart, Case says.
According to the company, the jury was impressed by how the concept conveyed design heritage stretching back to 1957, citing its clean operation and the sharp and clean design. The jury also noted its "innovative lighting/backlighting design elements, rugged yet clean lines and contouring, as well as a modern and intuitive user experience," says the release.
The jury also mentioned the machine's specialized metallic “Power Tan” color scheme; and a user experience that combines traditional backhoe operation with electric-machine specific controls.
This is the third Case design to win in four years. Case G Series wheel loaders were honored in 2017, and the methane-powered concept wheel loader, Project Tetra, introduced at Bauma won in 2019.
For an inside look at the Case 580 EV, take a look at our video above.
