John Deere has entered the electric excavator market with the unveiling of its new green machine at tech tradeshow CES 2023 in Las Vegas.
“Everything we do at John Deere is focused on real purpose and real impact,” said Jahmy Hindman, CTO at John Deere. “This means we’re developing technology that enables our customers to provide the food, fuel, fiber and infrastructure that our growing global population needs.”
Deere's presentation was focused primarily on its agricultural innovations, especially the release of its ExactShot technology, which applies fertilizer using robotics. The company did not release any information on the electric excavator's specs.
The electric excavator, powered by a Kreisel battery, was designed to reduce operating costs and noise, while also producing zero emissions.
Volvo, Komatsu, Bobcat, Kato, Hyundai, JCB and other OEMs have unveiled electric excavator technology during the past two years.
Deere and Wacker Neuson announced in June that the two companies would collaborate on equipment production, with Wacker Neuson producing mini- and compact excavators under 5 metric tons for Deere & Co., including battery-powered, electric models. The excavators will then be distributed under Deere's brand through its global dealer network.
Wacker Neuson is designing and manufacturing the machines at its facilities in Menomonee Falls, Wis., as well as Linz, Austria for the requirements of John Deere mainly for North America.
The companies plan a phased introduction of models. All Wacker Neuson models in the same product range will continue to be distributed under the Wacker Neuson brand through Wacker Neuson’s own distribution network.
Deere acquired a majority stake in Kreisel Electric, which created battery technology for a wide range of mobile and stationary applications. Kreisel's patented immersion cooling architecture is designed to offer a long battery life and improved safety and performance.
Watch Deere's keynote address at CES 2023:
