Doosan Bobcat is showcasing the all-new, all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader, as well as its electric excavator at CES 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, taking place from January 5 to 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Doosan Bobcat previewed its exploration into an all-electric compact track loader with the prototype T76e displayed at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2020. Almost two years later, the T7X represents the company’s first all-electric production version, featuring battery power with electric actuation and propulsion that completely eliminates the traditional hydraulic system and components. The result is zero emissions, reduced sound levels, limited vibrations and lower daily operating costs.
"Doosan Bobcat is at the forefront of innovation, and we are proud to debut the all-electric technology of the T7X to help customers maximize both sustainability and productivity," said Scott Park, president and CEO of Doosan Bobcat, Inc. "Our focus remains on providing solutions and products that empower people to accomplish more and build a better world.”
To speed the pace of research and development for electronic control capabilities of the T7X, Doosan Bobcat collaborated with Moog Inc., a global developer of motion control components and systems for industries ranging from aerospace and defense to construction.
“Like Doosan Bobcat, we believe that electrification, automation and connectivity go hand-in-hand,” said Moog Inc. Chairman and CEO John Scannell. “We are proud to collaborate with Doosan Bobcat and bring our comprehensive set of electrification capabilities, including hardware and intelligent software, to the world’s first all-electric loader. The T7X is an exciting step forward for the construction industry.”
So much so that the T7X was honored with two 2022 CES Innovation Awards in the categories of Vehicle Intelligence & Transportation and Smart Cities. The awards program recognizes honorees in various consumer technology product categories and distinguishes the highest rated in each. Products are reviewed and scored by a panel of designers, engineers and members of the tech media based on design, functionality, consumer appeal, engineering and their positive impact on the world.
All-electric Platform
At the heart of the T7X is a 62-kW lithium-ion battery from technology partner Green Machine Equipment, Inc. While applications vary, each charge can support common daily work operations, and the use of intelligent work modes enables up to four hours of continuous operation and a full day of operation during intermittent use. The power management system is programmed to sense when loads are increasing and automatically back off power when not needed to reduce total energy use and extend the machine’s runtime.
An electrical drive system consisting of electric cylinders and electric drive motors completely replaces the traditional hydraulic work group, meaning the T7X requires virtually no fluids. Only one quart of eco-friendly coolant is required compared to 57 gal. of fluid in the diesel/hydraulic equivalent model.
As with other Bobcat models, the T7X features two-way telematics communications. The platform provides integral data about the performance of the machine, along with operator-focused data to change machine preferences, tune the performance to certain job situations and upgrade product features. This includes variable drive speed at full torque and other features not possible with a diesel hydraulic machine.
To accompany the T7X, Bobcat will also introduce all-electric attachments. The first to be developed are an electrically powered auger, an angle broom and a grapple.
Sunbelt Rentals Commits to Battery-Electric Technology
During its CES Media Days news conference, Doosan Bobcat announced a strategic partnership with South Carolina-based Sunbelt Rentals, one of the largest rental equipment companies in North America. Through the partnership, Sunbelt Rentals committed to a significant investment in a large fleet of Bobcat T7X all-electric compact track loaders and electric compact excavators, which will be co-branded and made available in 2022 and beyond.
Sunbelt Rentals will be the first national equipment rental company to adopt Bobcat’s battery-electric technology and make it available to customers, supporting the environmental, social and governance (ESG) focus for both companies.
"By making an investment in this first-of-its-kind, all-electric technology, we support our ESG objectives of empowering our customers and communities with the availability of alternative rental solutions that reduce emissions and noise," said Brendan Horgan, Sunbelt Rentals CEO. “Sunbelt Rentals is leading the implementation of electrified on-road and off-road products to unlock the ESG structural benefits of rental.”
Information provided by Doosan Bobcat and edited by Becky Schultz.
