Case CE Debuts Two New Electric Mini Excavators at ConExpo 2023 (Video)

There are traditional jobsites, and then there are sites that are indoors, in sensitive environments, or in urban areas with strict regulations. For the former, diesel-powered equipment fits the bill. For the latter, you might need an electric alternative.

With that, Case Construction Equipment has launched two all-new electrified mini excavators – the CX15EV and the CX25EV. Members of the media were given a first look at the machine during a ConExpo-Con/Agg preview event on March 8.

The CX15EV, which was teased at CNH’s Capital Markets Day in February 2022, is available at Case dealerships now. Case CE says the CX25EV will be available later this year. This marks Case's second foray into electrification. The first was the 580 EV electric backhoe – which made its debut at ConExpo 2020.

“While these are mini excavators, they are fully featured with the ability to change power modes, adjust control precision, and more importantly, they deliver the same performance and capabilities of similar diesel units,” Brad Stemper, North American construction equipment product management lead for Case told attendees. “All while delivering the core benefits of electrified construction equipment, which is no emissions, reduced noise and less lifetime maintenance costs.”

CX15EV and CX25EV Electric Mini Excavators

Some of the specs have changed slightly since the initial preview of the CX15EV last year. The 3,186-pound mini excavator is powered by a 21-horsepower/16 kW electric motor. The CX25EV is a 4,828-pound mini excavator running with a 27-horsepower/20 kW electric motor.

The lithium-ion battery featured in both machines is charged either by the 110V/220V on-board charger, or via an external rapid charger that can charge the machines within 90 minutes. Depending on the application, the battery will provide enough power to work through a full 8-hour day on one charge, Case says.

“Mini excavators are ideal for electrification because they go through varied work cycles throughout the day,” says Product Manager Brad Mace. “Between access to power and the fast charging capabilities of the machine with both on-board and external technologies, these machines deliver excellent runtimes and are sure to be ready to take on any task.”

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Inside the cab, operators will find a standard color LCD monitor with easy access to battery information, machine settings and work modes. It also features an electronic pattern changer (for switching between ISO and SAE patterns) and customizable hydraulic proportional controls and auxiliary hydraulics to let the operator adjust the machine to their preferences.

Three work modes – Power, Standard and Economy – are designed to match the electric motor speed to the task at hand as well as the ability to adjust the sensitivity of the controls. This can be done through one of three pre-sets - Precision, Normal or Productivity - or an “Individual” setting that allows the operator to select specific responsiveness for six different bucket and boom actions, as well as swing, travel and blade functions. A load-sensing hydraulic system further delivers smooth and powerful performance, Case says.

“Our focus is on delivering a complete operator experience, even in some of the smallest machines we manufacture — and that attention to detail and operator satisfaction is built into each one of these battery powered units,” says Mace. “Another area where we’ve showcased this is in the ability of these electrical units as attachment platforms.”

Standard 1-way/2-way hydraulics with an electronic detent hold to reduce operator fatigue. An optional second auxiliary circuit (2-way only) can be added for more hydraulic options.

The LCD monitor also allows flow settings to be set and stored for up to five attachments, while an optional quick coupler makes switching attachments quick and easy.

Case’s SiteWatch telematics comes standard on each machine for increased visibility into machine performance, and greater collaborative fleet management with the local Case dealer. Precision construction technologies can be added to further improve productivity and digging quality.

“These are full-featured, fully electric powerhouses built for work in all environments and operations, and operators will recognize that quality when they sit at the controls and dig in,” says Mace.