by Kyle Molyneux | Thu 20 Oct 2022
Electric Komatsu excavator coming in 2023
Komatsu will exhibit a 20-ton class electric hydraulic excavator equipped with a lithium-ion battery system for the first time at bauma 2022 (October 24th to 30th). The machine is powered by a lithium-ion battery system from US-based Proterra.
Since January 2021, the two companies have been jointly developing electric medium-sized hydraulic excavators and have been conducting ‘proof of concept’ tests on advance research machines at customers’ construction sites. The machine is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese and European markets in FY2023.
Hydraulic excavators are the most versatile type of construction equipment, and the mid-size class, in particular, is used in a wide range of jobsites and applications, mainly in earth excavation and loading operations, requiring power and durability to withstand heavy-load work. This new Komatsu excavator integrates Proterra’s lithium-ion battery technology which has a proven track record for use in heavy-duty and commercial vehicles deployed in various fields around the world, with Komatsu’s components, such as the hydraulic pump, controller, and electric motor for work equipment operation.
In addition, Komatsu has developed a robust cage structure to provide additional protection onboard the vehicle for its battery packs. As a result, Komatsu has achieved digging performance and durability equivalent to those of engine-driven hydraulic excavators. In addition, the high energy onboard the excavator’s Proterra Powered battery system enables operation for up to 8 hours when fully charged (operation of 5 to 9 hours seen during testing, depending on the workload conditions).
Komatsu says the electric power makes it possible to work comfortably in various work environments without worrying about noise and exhaust emissions, and is expected to be used for work in urban areas and night time construction work and so on. The zero-engine vibration will also help reduce operator fatigue.
As global awareness of climate change accelerates, Komatsu has declared to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 with the aim of realising a sustainable society. In collaboration with its partners, Komatsu is developing electric construction equipment to achieve zero exhaust gas emissions and a significant reduction in noise emissions with the vision of developing safe, highly productive, smart and clean workplaces of the future.
Key specs for the 20-ton class Komatsu electric excavator include a weight of 24,000kg, a bucket capacity of 0.8 to 1.2m3, and a tail swing radius of 3,020mm. The electric motor is rated at 123kW and the battery capacity is 451kWh. Overall machine length is 9,700mm, width 2,980mm and height 3,140mm.
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