John Deere electric-powered backhoe

John Deere, Moline, Ill., is working with National Grid, London, an electricity, natural gas and clean air company, to joint test its electric backhoe concept. The John Deere-developed, battery-powered, electric vehicle design, referred to as E-Power, will target the ease of operation and performance level of the diesel-powered, 100-hp 310L backhoe. The design is intended to provide substantially lower daily operating costs, lower job-site noise, enhanced machine reliability and zero emissions.

The testing period will enable National Grid to expand its use of electric equipment on job sites. John Deere is in early Phase I development of its electric backhoe.