CNH Industrial has begun manufacturing an electric wheel loader in its Lecce, Italy, facility. The articulated wheel loaders will be marketed as Case 12EV and New Holland W40X.
“We have not just replaced the diesel engine with batteries,” said Ciro Casapulla, head of construction product development, in a statement. “We have completely revised the design, also drawing on technologies and calculation techniques typical of the aerospace sector.” The company lightened the weight of the loader compared to the model unveiled at Conexpo 2023.
The weight reduction, achieved in part by the use of a special “lattice” boom, has led to an improvement in tipping load: A light boom means weight is shifted to the rear, increasing loading capacity and stability, according to the company. The loader uses the same electro-hydraulic controls use on the company’s “top-of-the-range” diesel models. Combined with the electric drive, the design maximizes efficiency and control, according to the company.
The new electric loader has a range of three to six hours depending on the type of application. Recharging can be done with the domestic power socket with the standard 230V on-board charger or with the optional fast charger, which can recharge the 23 kWh lithium-ion battery from 20% to 80% in an hour.
