John Deere to feature hybrid, electric models at ConExpo-Con/Agg

John Deere, Moline, Illinois, will showcase a variety of sustainable construction solutions with alternative power options at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023.

“As we continue to introduce battery-electric and electric-hybrid solutions to the market, we aren’t just designing a new way to fuel your fleet. We’re also focusing on building an electric infrastructure through innovative and forward-thinking technology,” says Ryan Campbell, John Deere’s president of worldwide construction and forestry and power systems. “That means expanding our efforts to provide customers with optimal dealer support, job site data and charging solutions aimed [at increasing] the electric presence in the construction space around the world.”

John Deere says it will feature E-Power machines using battery solutions from Austria-based Kreisel Electric. E-Drive machines, a hybrid solution, feature an electric drivetrain with an engine as the primary power source. E-Drive machines feature better fuel economy, improved powertrain component life and stronger pushing power than traditional models.

Making its debut at ConExpo/Con-Agg, the battery electric 244 X-Tier compact wheel loader is an ideal solution for customers looking to reap the benefits of an E-Power machine in a variety of material handling applications.

The John Deere electrification and hybrid journey began in 2013 with the introduction of the 644K Hybrid wheel loader, which has since evolved into today’s 644 X-Tier wheel loader. The 644 X-Tier is notable for its robust performance with its combined E-Drive and Power Shift transmission system. The 944 X-Tier wheel loader is rebranded from the 944K Hybrid to align with the John Deere performance tiering strategy. John Deere has refined its E-Drive machines based on more than 3 million collective customer hours since entering the market.

Other new E-Drive machines on display at the show will include the 850 X-Tier dozer, which has been recently upgraded from the 850L model. The less complex drivetrain powers each track with an electric motor to maintain the maneuverability and control of a traditional hydrostatic John Deere dozer. The 744 X-Tier E-Drive wheel loader, featuring an electric variable transmission, offers performance with increased fuel efficiency. The 145 X-Tier E-Power excavator concept, previously showcased at the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show, also will be on display.

John Deere also is developing electrification infrastructure solutions to address the energy replenishment challenges faced by battery-electric vehicles in off-road environments. A John Deere electrification ecosystem will offer a wide array of solutions to address needs for charging, data and connectivity, machine support and financial services. The charging ecosystem will include a range of solutions for overnight and fast charging. All John Deere machines and charging stations will use charging connections similar to those used in automotive applications, simplifying the recharging process. In addition, John Deere is developing new features, such as an operations center for battery-electric equipment to help customers monitor usage remotely and manage work while charging their equipment with confidence and ease.

“By 2026, John Deere aims to offer its customers a variety of electric construction equipment solutions, including 20-plus electric and hybrid- models, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, starting with the nine electric or hybrid electric John Deere and Wirtgen Group machines on display at this year’s ConExpo/Con-Agg,” Campbell says.

John Deere and Wirtgen’s equipment will be displayed outdoors in the Silver Lot at Booth S5020 and in the West Hall at Booth W40844.