Bobcat Reveals World’s First All-Electric Skid-Steer Loader

Bobcat Company, a global compact equipment, innovation, and worksite solution provider, has announced the launch of two new concept machines during the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 event.

One of them is the Bobcat S7X, which is the world's first all-electric skid-steer loader, powered by a 60.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric drive motors.

Electrifying S7X

Following the 2022 release of the Bobcat T7X, the world's first all-electric compact track loader, Bobcat continues its focus on electrification with the S7X.

The S7X, like the T7X, is powered by a 60.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and electric drive motors, resulting in instant torque three times greater than traditional loaders. The skid-steer loader can operate for up to eight hours on a single charge, depending on the application, and offers a nearly silent and vibration-free experience for operators.

The S7X is equipped to outperform its diesel-powered equivalent while balancing performance and sustainability, with zero emissions.

"We are excited to take the machine that created the industry and reinvent it all over again," Joel Honeyman, Doosan Bobcat vice president of global innovation, said in a statement. "The S7X is an incredible product with real-world application that can support operators on environmentally sensitive sites, in noise-restricted areas, and for indoor operation."

Bobcat RogueX

Bobcat has also introduced the Bobcat RogueX, a next-generation concept machine that explores the capabilities of electric power, autonomous operation, and dual lift-arm geometry.

The research and development project aims to advance Bobcat's innovation roadmap, evaluate customer perceptions and test the limits of machine functionality.

As job sites evolve and operators turn to remote operation, the RogueX is designed without an operator station and explores the idea of operating where humans cannot go, allowing for more work in more places.

"RogueX was concepted with consideration for the worksite of the future and how a customer's needs may evolve with a focus on ease of use, remote operations, autonomous functionality, sustainable operations, and features that allow operators to accomplish more with one machine," said Honeyman.

The autonomous, all-electric concept vehicle has no hydraulics, an electric driving system, and a lithium-ion battery, all of which contribute to zero emissions. In one machine, RogueX's superior kinematics allows for the combination of radial-path and vertical-path lift capabilities.

The S7X skid-steer loader is currently being introduced as a prototype with plans to transition to commercialization. As the product is still being developed, more information will be made available to the public.

RogueX is still in the early stages of research and development. At this time, there are no additional details available regarding potential commercialization.