Case 580EV Electric Backhoe Loader: Specs, Parts & Common Issues
Launched August 2024 - the world's first commercially available, production-scale electric backhoe loader. Battery-electric drivetrain replaces the diesel engine on a 580 Super N chassis. 71 kWh lithium-ion battery, J1772 Level 2 AC charging, 97 HP-equivalent power, zero on-site emissions, drastically reduced noise. Began as Case's 2020 "Project Zeus" concept.
The Case 580EV is Case Construction Equipment's all-electric variant of its 580 Super N backhoe loader - marketed as the world's first commercially available, production-scale electric backhoe. The machine launched in production form on August 14, 2024, after a four-year evolution from Case's 2020 "Project Zeus" concept that was unveiled at ConExpo Las Vegas. The 580EV is mechanically based on the diesel 580 Super N (Case's best-selling backhoe), with the Tier 4 Final diesel engine replaced by a battery pack and electric drive motor running the same hydraulic architecture.
For owners and fleet operators, this matters for two reasons. First, the iron side of the machine - hydraulic cylinders, loader and backhoe linkage, axles, brakes, cab, tires - is the same as a diesel 580 Super N. Most service parts cross from the 580SN catalog. Second, the high-voltage drivetrain - battery pack, BMS, traction motor, inverter, contactors, HV cabling - is proprietary Case / Moog / Green Machine technology, dealer-locked, and requires a Case-trained EV technician for service.
Project Zeus history
"Project Zeus" was the internal and marketing codename Case used when it unveiled the 580 EV concept at ConExpo Las Vegas in March 2020. Case developed the powertrain with two partners: Moog Inc. (motion-control specialist) and Green Machine Equipment of Buffalo, NY (which had been supplying battery-electric mini excavators to National Grid since 2016). The concept won a 2020 Good Design Award. First two field-test units went to National Grid and NYSEG/RG&E (AVANGRID) in New York utility service. The concept-stage spec was a 480 V, 90 kWh lithium-ion pack delivering roughly 8 hours of typical utility use.
The concept ran in limited utility trials from 2020 through 2023. Case moved the machine from concept to full series production with a market launch on August 14, 2024 - at which point the battery specifications were revised from the Project Zeus concept numbers (90 kWh, 480 V) to the production figures (71 kWh, 400 V) below.
At-a-glance specifications
Case 580EV (production, 2024+) - factory specifications
- Launch date (production)
- August 14, 2024
- Concept reveal
- March 2020 (Project Zeus, ConExpo)
- Drivetrain
- Battery-electric, replacing diesel engine
- Battery
- 400 V, 71 kWh lithium-ion
- Charging port
- J1772 Level 2 AC (auto-EV standard)
- Charge time (0-100%)
- 7.5 hours
- Charge time (20-80%)
- 4.4 hours
- Runtime per charge
- 4 - 8 hours depending on duty cycle
- Equivalent power
- 97 HP (72 kW) - matches diesel 580 Super N
- Drivetrain layout
- 4WD
- Brakes
- Wet-disc multi-plate (same as 580 Super N)
- Hydraulic architecture
- Same load-sensing system as 580 Super N
- Loader and backhoe capacities
- Equivalent to 580 Super N
- Backhoe bucket dig force (reference SN spec)
- ~14,452 lb
- Backhoe dig depth (Extendahoe, reference)
- ~17 ft 11 in
- Loader lift capacity (reference)
- ~7,044 lb
- Operating weight
- Heavier than diesel 580SN (battery pack adds weight)
- Target markets
- Utility fleets, municipalities, indoor demolition, urban infrastructure
Notable features
- Zero on-site emissions - eligible for indoor jobs (warehouses, parking decks), tunnels, and emissions-restricted municipal zones
- Drastically reduced noise - suitable for overnight urban work and noise-sensitive sites (hospitals, schools, residential areas)
- Instant torque from the electric motor on both drive and hydraulics
- Lower routine maintenance - no engine oil, oil filter, DEF, DPF, fuel system, or coolant-related diesel maintenance
- J1772 charge port - the same standard used on passenger EVs, so the 580EV can charge at standard public Level 2 stations, not just at the depot
- Same diesel 580SN cab, controls, and hydraulic outputs - operators don't have to relearn the machine
Market and pricing
The 580EV is positioned as a premium product for utility fleets, municipalities, and contractors with fleet-electrification mandates. Case has not published a public list price - industry coverage frames it as a premium over the diesel 580SN, with ROI claimed via fuel and maintenance savings over time. Comparable electric construction equipment carries a significant premium, but the 580EV's published pricing is dealer-quote.
Volume is low. The buyer pool is narrow and largely confined to utility fleets (National Grid, NYSEG, similar) and early-adopter municipal contractors. Expect dozens to low hundreds of units in service through 2026, not thousands.
Maintenance - what's the same, what's different
What's the same as a diesel 580 Super N
The "iron" side of the machine is largely unchanged: hydraulic system, cylinders, hoses, loader and backhoe linkage, bucket teeth and cutting edges, pins and bushings, axles, brakes, tires, cab glass, HVAC system, and steering. That portion of the 580EV is well covered by the aftermarket - including parts in our catalog. The cab air filter, for instance, is the same 360260A2 filter used on the 580N, 580SN, and 590SN diesel backhoes.
What's different
No engine oil changes, no oil filter, no fuel filter, no fuel-water separator, no DEF, no DPF maintenance, no engine coolant management beyond the battery thermal system. The high-voltage drivetrain - battery pack, BMS, charging electronics, traction motor, inverter, contactors, HV cabling, EV-specific dash and display - is proprietary Case / Moog / Green Machine technology. These components are dealer-only and require a Case-trained EV technician with proper lockout/tagout for 400 V service. None of these HV parts are available aftermarket.
Verified replacement parts
Most 580EV parts cross directly from the 580 Super N catalog. The high-voltage drivetrain is dealer-only.
| Part | SKU | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cab Air Filter | 360260A2 | Cab air filter - explicit fitment for 580N, 580SN, 590SN, and 580EV |
Cross-fit from the 580 Super N catalog
Hydraulic cylinder seal kits, pin and bushing kits, loader and backhoe linkage parts, wet-disc brake components, cab glass, HVAC components, tires, and Carraro 4WD axle parts cross from the 580 Super N catalog. Browse the 580N / 580SN categories for most service items.
- 4WD Front Axle - 580N, 580 Super N, 590 Super N (cross-fits 580EV)
- Wet-Disc Brakes (cross-fits)
- Case Backhoe Parts - full catalog
Lineage
| Model | Drivetrain | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Project Zeus (concept) | 480 V, 90 kWh electric | 2020-2023 utility pilot |
| Case 580EV (this page) | 400 V, 71 kWh electric | 2024 - present, in production |
| Case 580 Super N (parallel) | FPT F5BFL413B 3.4L diesel | 2008 - present, continues alongside |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Case 580EV?
Case Construction Equipment's all-electric variant of the 580 Super N backhoe loader - marketed as the world's first commercially available, production-scale electric backhoe. Launched August 2024.
What was Project Zeus?
Case's internal codename for the 580EV during its 2020-2023 concept and field-trial period. Unveiled at ConExpo March 2020 with partners Moog Inc. and Green Machine Equipment. Two concept units went to utility customers (National Grid and NYSEG) for real-world testing before the production launch.
What battery does the 580EV use?
A 400 V, 71 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. (The 2020 Project Zeus concept used a 480 V, 90 kWh pack - production specifications were revised before launch.)
How long does the 580EV run on a charge?
4 to 8 hours depending on duty cycle - light utility work runs toward the longer end, heavy continuous excavation runs toward the shorter end.
How does the 580EV charge?
Standard J1772 Level 2 AC charging - the same plug used on passenger EVs. Full 0-100% charge takes 7.5 hours; a 20-80% top-up takes 4.4 hours. The machine can charge at standard public Level 2 stations.
Does the 580EV match the diesel 580 Super N's performance?
Yes - 97 HP equivalent power, matching loader and backhoe capacities, same hydraulic outputs, same cab and controls. Operating weight is somewhat heavier due to the battery pack.
Where can I get parts for the 580EV?
The "iron" side - hydraulics, linkage, brakes, axles, cab, tires - cross from the 580 Super N parts catalog and are widely available aftermarket. The high-voltage drivetrain (battery, motor, inverter, BMS, HV cabling) is proprietary and dealer-only.
Has Case discontinued the diesel 580 Super N?
No. The 580 Super N continues in production alongside the 580EV. Both serve different fleet needs - the diesel SN remains the mainstream volume product; the 580EV serves fleets with zero-emission mandates.
Need parts for your Case 580EV?
Most 580EV service parts cross directly from the 580 Super N catalog - hydraulic cylinder seal kits, pin and bushing kits, wet-disc brake components, cab parts, and 4WD axle components. The high-voltage drivetrain is dealer-only. Talk to a tech for cross-fitment verification: (800) 909-7060, Mon-Fri 7a-5p CT.
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