Total Cost of Ownership

Electric vs. Diesel: A 7-Year TCO Comparison of the Volt EVX20 2-Ton Electric Excavator vs. Bobcat E20 Diesel Excavator (No Incentives Applied)

Executive Summary

As fleet managers, contractors, and municipalities evaluate options for new equipment acquisitions, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) becomes the guiding metric in choosing between traditional diesel-powered machinery and emerging electric alternatives. This whitepaper analyzes the 7-year TCO of the Volt 2-Ton Electric Mini Excavator versus the Bobcat E20 Diesel Mini Excavator under identical operating conditions, without accounting for state or federal purchase incentives.

Even without incentives, Volt demonstrates a 37.6% lower TCO over 7 years, translating to $35,700 in total savings.

1. Equipment Overview

Feature Volt 2-Ton Electric Bobcat E20 Diesel
Power Type Battery Electric Diesel
Purchase Price (MSRP) $42,500 $42,500
Incentives Applied None None
Warranty Coverage 5 years / 5,000 hrs 2 years / 2,000 hrs

2. Operating Assumptions

Annual Use: 1,000 hours/year

Ownership Period: 7 years

Electricity Cost: $2,000/year

Diesel Cost: $4,000/year

Repair Cost (post-warranty): Volt: $1,000/year; Bobcat: $2,000/year

Residual Value (Year 7): Volt: $10,200; Bobcat: $8,500

3. TCO Breakdown Over 7 Years

Cost Category Volt Electric Bobcat Diesel
Purchase Price $42,500 $42,500
Fuel Cost (7 years) $14,000 $28,000
Repair Cost (7 years) $2,000 $10,000
Total Before Resale $58,500 $80,500
Less Resale Value -$10,200 -$8,500
Final TCO $48,300 $72,000

4. Key Insights

Operating Cost Advantage: Even at parity on purchase price, the Volt excavator saves $14,000 on fuel and $8,000 on repairs over 7 years.

Warranty Strength: Volt’s 5-year warranty offsets repair costs longer than Bobcat’s 2-year coverage.

Electric Efficiency: Less idle time and simplified drivetrain reduce long-term wear, improving resale value.

5. Total Savings with Volt

Total TCO Reduction: $23,700

% Lower Ownership Cost: 32.9%

Annual Savings: $3,386 average/year

6. Strategic Benefits Beyond Cost

Sustainability: Zero emissions and minimal noise make Volt ideal for sensitive environments and compliance-focused projects.

Worker Safety: Lower heat, vibration, and noise exposure improve operator well-being.

Future Readiness: Electric equipment reduces regulatory risk as diesel restrictions increase.

7. Conclusion

Without applying a single rebate or incentive, the Volt EVX20 Electric Excavator still outperforms its diesel counterpart over a 7-year ownership cycle. With $23,700 in savings, longer warranty coverage, and tangible environmental and operational benefits, Volt makes a compelling case as the smarter investment.

Volt delivers cleaner performance and lower costs—starting on Day One.

About Volt Industrial Equipment

Volt Industrial Equipment designs and manufactures 100% electric machinery for modern jobsites. With powerful components, proven durability, and low operating costs, Volt helps customers transition confidently into the all-electric future of construction.

www.voltie.com | info@voltie.com