The founding CEO, Vincent Robin, presented the E-CUBE at CES Unveiled Las Vegas on Sunday, January 5. He also announced the launch of the ELHYTE brand and the official release during 2025, of ELH25.1, first compact mini-excavator from the brand.

With a lifecycle of 12,000 hours of use, equivalent to three average mini-excavator lifetimes, the interchangeable E-CUBE battery can be reused multiple times. It can undergo new lifecycles in different mini-excavators and can still be used after these 12,000 hours, as stationary storage unit for several applications such as solar power production or charging equipment.

As the first compact mini-excavator of the ELHYTE brand, ELH25.1 is the result of electrifying a new machine, thanks to a partnership with a renowned manufacturer. ELH25.1 will be the first new machine on the market to be equipped with an interchangeable E-CUBE battery.

ELHYTE exhibits at CES Las Vegas with Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes delegation

Founded in March 2022 in Viriat by Vincent Robin, its Founder and CEO, and by Olivier Gonzalvez, Associate and CEO of SGC Travaux Spéciaux in Sainte-Foy-l’Argentière, ELHYTE is one of the 40 companies of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes delegation, led by Region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. For more information about ELHYTE solutions, meet us at CES Las Vegas : Venetian Expo, Hall G 60711.

 An efficient answer to the growing market demand for zero-emission equipment

The 2.5-tonne compact mini-excavator is actually the best-selling model on the market. With conversion to electric power, carbon footprint is reduced by more than 70%, and operating customer costs are reduced. Over the total lifespan of a machine, the retrofit solution provides the lowest carbon footprint. Interchangeable E-CUBE battery developed by ELHYTE concept is compatible with both second-hand machines and also with its new model ELH25.1. It is an efficient answer to the growing market demand for zero-emission equipment, which is particularly well suited to Low Emission Zones (LEZ) of several large cities such as Santa Monica (USA), Lyon (FR), London (GB), Berlin (D)… Etc., combining profitability and durability.

“Our business model is entirely disruptive! With E-CUBE, we are creating a new sector for battery reuse. This is a French low-carbon circular economy model that combines durability, performance, and profitability," commented Vincent Robin, ELHYTE founding CEO.

Removable, connected and autonomous, E-CUBE is a made in France battery

The use of electric equipment on construction sites is currently restrictive and costly, due to insufficient autonomy of machines. This necessitates rapid recharges, which accelerate their premature aging, and requires bringing electricity to the site or installing additional infrastructure. To address these challenges, ELHYTE has created and patented interchangeable battery systems that radically simplify the use of electric equipment, making it much more economical and accessible.

The Interchangeable E-CUBE Battery

Thanks to an integrated lifting device, consisting of a removable jib and an electric winch, a single-operator can exchange the E-CUBE battery, autonomously, safely, and in less than 10 minutes.

"Equipped with a thermal management system to operate under extreme conditions from -4°F to +140°F, E-CUBE battery self-regulates based on external temperature," specifies Vincent Robin. Pre-conditioning E-CUBE is also possible to reaches the optimal operating temperature as soon as the machine starts up.

12,000 hours of use, and enhanced safety with LFP Technology

ELHYTE has chosen a thoughtful strategy by using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry for its E-CUBE battery. Less polluting than other technologies, this chemistry offers the advantage of a significantly longer lifespan. After 12,000 hours of use, an LFP battery has always approximately 80% of its initial capacity. E-CUBE can be reused as a stationary storage unit, particularly for applications such as solar power production.

LFP chemistry also provides a safety advantage. It is more stable and does not cause thermal runaway, unlike other battery chemistries. Thus, E-CUBE is more reliable and secure solution.

The unique cubic form of the E-CUBE optimises available space. With this ingenious configuration, the weight of the retrofitted machine is not increased. The battery, which replaces the original internal combustion engine and counterweight, maintains balance, centre of gravity, and lifting performance of the mini-excavator.

Easily transportable and equipped with standard Type 2 connectors, like cars, E-CUBE can be charged anywhere. It eliminates costly infrastructure or daily equipment movements. With an adapter, it's also possible to charge it directly from standard outlets. This setup is economical for night charging for example, in countries where peak/off-peak tariffs are used.

ELHYTE will establish its future production centre in Ain counties by the end of 2025.

The interchangeable E-CUBE battery will first be reused in second-hand mini-excavators before being used in ELHYTE mini-excavators. During 2025, E-CUBE will equip the ELH25.1, the first mini-excavator of the ELHYTE brand.

With its headquarters in Viriat and current production workshops in Mornant, ELHYTE will establish its future production centre in the Ain counties by the end of 2025.

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