4 hours ago
Company & Model Background
Kovaco Electric, founded in 2020 and based in Prague, Czech Republic, developed the Elise 900 as a groundbreaking, fully electric skid‑steer loader. It’s also sold under the FirstGreen brand (which is associated with Kovaco) in some markets. The Elise 900 targets construction, landscaping, agriculture, and indoor work where zero emissions, low noise, and low maintenance costs are particularly valuable.
Design, Powertrain & Performance
Advantages:
The Kovaco / FirstGreen Elise 900 represents a major step forward in electric construction equipment, delivering a compact, zero-emission, and quiet skid steer that is practical for many applications. Its modular design and modern control features make it flexible for retrofit and diverse use. As battery tech continues to improve and site charging infrastructure becomes more common, machines like Elise 900 could significantly advance adoption of electric machinery in construction, agriculture, and beyond.
For those considering one, it's wise to evaluate your use case (hours, load, operating environment) carefully — the Elise 900 shines where emissions, noise, and maintenance are critical, but you’ll want to ensure you can support its charging and battery needs.
Kovaco Electric, founded in 2020 and based in Prague, Czech Republic, developed the Elise 900 as a groundbreaking, fully electric skid‑steer loader. It’s also sold under the FirstGreen brand (which is associated with Kovaco) in some markets. The Elise 900 targets construction, landscaping, agriculture, and indoor work where zero emissions, low noise, and low maintenance costs are particularly valuable.
Design, Powertrain & Performance
- The Elise 900 is driven by two electric motors for propulsion and a third for its hydraulic system.
- It supports both lead-acid batteries (96 V / 240 Ah) and an extended lead-acid 400 Ah version; a lithium battery option is also available.
- With the larger battery, it can operate up to 8 hours on a single charge under typical working conditions.
- Maximum travel speed is around 12 km/h (7.5 mph).
- For hydraulics, the machine uses a Danfoss K2 pump with a Danfoss PVG 16 valve block; its maximum working pressure is about 180 bar (~2,611 psi).
- Rated load capacity: 900 kg (1,984 lb).
- Tipping load: 1,800 kg (3,968 lb).
- Hinge frame (pin) height: 3,637 mm (~144 in) on the standard version.
- The chassis clearance is 262 mm, which helps in navigating uneven terrain.
- The Elise 900 features a safety-reinforced cab with both ROPS and FOPS protection.
- Operators can control the machine via ISO‑joysticks inside the cab, or remotely using radio control (RC) or a smartphone app (Android/iOS).
- It offers four selectable speed levels for both travel and hydraulics, which allows the operator to tailor performance to the task at hand.
- Standard safety and visibility features include rear-view cameras, front and rear work lights, tinted glass, a seat‑belt with operator-detection system, and a reversing alarm.
- The 96 V battery is modular, allowing different battery options depending on use case.
- Charging can be done through single- or three-phase chargers, and the extended 400 Ah battery option has an integrated charger.
- The machine is said to be energy-efficient, with over 92% drivetrain efficiency, thanks to its direct-drive electric motors.
- A newer version reportedly increased torque by 40 Nm, and strengthened hydraulic cylinders with durable materials for improved longevity.
- The joystick controls were upgraded to more precise, customizable units.
- A self-leveling bucket system is available, improving material handling precision.
- According to the Elise 900 user manual, it's crucial to always secure the seatbelt, keep the arms low during travel, and never exceed the rated operating capacity.
- Battery handling must be done carefully: the manual warns of potential battery explosion if misused.
- In certain terrain conditions — slopes, mud, ice — braking distance increases when loaded, so operators must be extra cautious.
- One small farmer (shared on a public forum) praised the Elise 900 for its quietness and ability to work in barns or around livestock. The owner noted that in very cold weather, the machine sometimes triggers overload warnings due to current draw, but still operates.
- Another user referenced retrofits for electric attachments, demonstrating the machine’s flexibility for different lightweight applications.
Advantages:
- Zero emissions and minimal noise make it well-suited for indoor, residential, or environmentally sensitive sites.
- Lower maintenance compared to diesel machines (no oil changes, fewer moving parts) reduces operating costs.
- Remote operation (app or RC) adds a layer of safety and flexibility.
- Modular battery options provide flexibility in runtime vs. cost.
- Upfront price and battery cost may be higher than conventional machines (though used models appear on the market — one 2021 Elise 900 with 550 hours was listed for $37,985).
- Charging infrastructure may be required on job sites, especially for lithium or extended capacity batteries.
- Cold-weather performance may be limited, particularly with lead-acid batteries.
- Autonomous operation still depends on good remote signal coverage if using radio control.
The Kovaco / FirstGreen Elise 900 represents a major step forward in electric construction equipment, delivering a compact, zero-emission, and quiet skid steer that is practical for many applications. Its modular design and modern control features make it flexible for retrofit and diverse use. As battery tech continues to improve and site charging infrastructure becomes more common, machines like Elise 900 could significantly advance adoption of electric machinery in construction, agriculture, and beyond.
For those considering one, it's wise to evaluate your use case (hours, load, operating environment) carefully — the Elise 900 shines where emissions, noise, and maintenance are critical, but you’ll want to ensure you can support its charging and battery needs.
