John Deere has partnered with energy company National Grid to test an electric backhoe.
The Deere backhoe takes as its reference point its 100-horsepower 310L diesel-powered backhoe. Referred to as E-Power, the battery powered machine will have the same “ease of operation and performance level” as the 310L, Deere says. The company says it is in “early phase one” in E-Power development.
Design goals include substantial lower daily operating costs, lower noise, better reliability and zero emissions, according to Deere.
Deere is the second manufacturer to step into the electric backhoe arena. Case’s 580 EV, announced at ConExpo, is now in production.
The E-Power electric backhoe is modeled after Deere's diesel-powered 310L.John Deere
National Grid, Deere’s partner in the venture, offers electric, natural gas and clean energy to more than 20 million people throughout the Northeast.
“John Deere is committed to developing innovative, robustly tested, and reliable equipment for our customers, unlocking measurable value through the incorporation of smart technology solutions in our machines,” says Jason Daly, global director, production systems, technology and marketing, John Deere. “This project is another stepping stone in our backhoe innovation journey, intended to lead to subsequent electrification testing and design refinement.”
“National Grid is one of only two energy companies in the US to add electric backhoes to their fleets,” adds Badar Khan, president, National Grid, US. “We are excited to work with John Deere to take an important step in electrifying our company vehicles, which could be revolutionary for our industry.”
