At CES in Las Vegas, ELHYTE, a French startup specializing in the electrification of construction equipment, unveiled the E-CUBE, a patented universal interchangeable battery designed for 2.5-ton compact excavators. This innovation marks a significant step in sustainable construction equipment solutions.
Designed for universal compatibility, the E-CUBE can be integrated into all 2.5-ton compact excavators, both new and retrofitted. The first compact excavator to feature this battery is the ELH25.1, ELHYTE’s debut machine, scheduled for release later this year.
With a lifecycle of 12,000 operating hours—triple the average lifespan of a compact excavator—the E-CUBE emphasizes longevity and sustainability. Once its use in excavators is complete, the battery can transition into stationary applications, such as solar energy storage or powering equipment chargers, embodying ELHYTE’s commitment to a circular economy.
A French Solution for a Global Challenge
ELHYTE’s founders, Vincent Robin and Olivier Gonzalvez, have positioned their company as a leader in eco-friendly construction solutions. Based in Viriat, France, the company will soon expand with a production facility in Ain, ensuring that innovation and manufacturing remain deeply rooted in the region.
The E-CUBE addresses several critical challenges. First, traditional electric construction machines often require costly and cumbersome charging infrastructure. The E-CUBE can be swapped in under 10 minutes using its integrated lifting system, eliminating downtime and ensuring smooth operations.
It is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to +60°C. Equipped with standard Type 2 charging connectors, the E-CUBE can be charged using existing EV infrastructure or even household outlets. This enables cost-efficient overnight charging during off-peak hours.
Pioneering a Low-Carbon Circular Economy
The E-CUBE and the ELH25.1 represent a low-carbon solution that significantly reduces the carbon footprint of construction equipment—by over 70% compared to traditional systems. ELHYTE’s retrofit approach offers clients the most environmentally friendly and economically viable pathway to zero-emission machinery.
For Vincent Robin, ELHYTE’s founder and presiden,
“The E-CUBE is more than a battery—it’s a new ecosystem for construction equipment. By enabling multiple lifecycles and repurposing batteries, we’re creating a sustainable, high-performance solution for an industry hungry for change.”
ELHYTE’s ambitions extend beyond compact excavators. The company is developing the MOBILYTE, an interchangeable battery pack for heavy-duty machinery over 10 tons. By combining retrofit technology with new machine production, ELHYTE envisions a future where construction equipment is not only efficient and durable but also environmentally responsible.
