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Komatsu, Proterra Partner To Electrify Heavy Construction Vehicles

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Komatsu is partnering with Proterra to use battery packs in Komatsu’s first electric hydraulic excavators.

Previously, most of Proterra’s battery packs have gone into public transit buses, school buses or delivery vans. This will be the Burlingame, California-startup’s first application for off-road construction vehicles.

Komatsu will use Proterra’s battery systems to develop a proof-of-concept electric excavator by the end of 2021. If that meets certain performance criteria the batteries will be installed in a commercial production machine in 2023 and 2024.

Manufacturers of heavy industrial equipment are trying to reduce their dependence on gasoline and diesel as regulators in Europe and Asia have set goals to become carbon neutral by 2040 or sooner. Komatsu developed a fleet of gas-electric hybrid excavators in 2008, and more recently launched a mini electric excavator.

Proterra’s battery systems are engineered and produced in the U.S., featuring a customized design to fit in a range of vehicles.

“As more communities embrace a zero-emission future, Proterra is excited to partner with Komatsu to develop battery-electric construction equipment,” said Proterra CEO Jack Allen, in a statement. “Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology has been proven in 16 million miles driven by our fleet of transit vehicles.”

Seiichi Fuchita, president of Komatsu’s development division, said, “I am excited about the collaboration with Proterra, by which Komatsu will drive the electrification of construction equipment.”

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