Komatsu showed off a 20-ton-class electric hydraulic excavator at the recent bauma trade show in Munich.

The machine is powered by a lithium-ion battery system from 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 research machines at customers’ construction sites.

Komatsu says the new excavator has achieved digging performance and durability equivalent to those of engine-driven hydraulic excavators. “Hydraulic excavators are the most versatile type of construction equipment, and the mid-size class, in particular, is used in a wide range of job sites and applications, mainly in earth excavation and loading operations, requiring power and durability to withstand heavy-load work,” says the company.

This model integrates Proterra’s Li-ion battery technology with Komatsu’s components, such as the hydraulic pump, controller, and electric motor for work equipment operation. Komatsu has developed a robust cage structure to provide additional protection for the battery packs.

The machine weighs 24,000 kg, and features a 123 kW powertrain. The 451 kWh Proterra Powered battery system enables operation for up to 8 hours when fully charged.

The excavator is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese and European markets in 2023.

Source: Komatsu