John Deere Unveils Electric Excavator Prototype

John Deere revealed an electric excavator prototype during its CES 2023 keynote address in January 2023.

The 145X excavator, powered by a Kreisel battery, is meant to improve reliability, performance, and safety in construction, according to a press release.

The excavator's use on job sites will result in fewer moving parts, less noise pollution, and fewer emissions. According to John Deere's website, the machines produce 50% less noise, benefiting both workers on job sites and the communities around them.

Zooming Forward On Zero Emissions Vehicles

John Deere first began its efforts toward more sustainable construction equipment in 2013, with hybrid-electric loaders.

Further assisting with its efforts, Government Fleet previously reported in 2021 that 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 provides unsurpassed lifetime, enhanced safety, and improved performance for battery-powered equipment. Kreisel’s charging technology results in faster and lower-cost connections to the electrical grid, according to John Deere.

The company reports that it has over three million customer field hours on electric drive. It has committed to delivering 20+ electric and hybrid-electric models across Deere and the Wirtgen Group by 2026.