Komatsu and Honda jointly developed electric micro excavator to launch in Japan
Komatsu Ltd. is going to launch the PC01E-1 electric micro excavator, developed jointly with Honda Motor Co., Ltd., as a rental model, in Japan in March this year.
Komatsu and Honda have developed the PC01E-1 by electrifying the PC01 conventional micro excavator through the incorporation of the Honda Mobile Power Pack e and Honda eGX electrified power unit. The conventional model is typically used very close to people, trees, and flowers for pipe-laying, gardening, agriculture, livestock, and the like. As a result of electrification, the PC01E-1 model not only reduces noise and exhaust heat but also enables eco-friendly, comfortable work in either indoor or outdoor environments, thanks to no exhaust gas. As the batteries are swappable, customers can continue work simply by exchanging them. As its new electric motor offers high performance even in low revolutions, the PC01E-1 model achieves more excavation than the conventional model in low revolutions. As there is no engine installed, customers will no longer need engine-related maintenance or fueling, dynamically reducing daily inspection and maintenance work for them.
Customers, who tested the PC01E-1 model at their job sites have voiced their high evaluations, such as easy exchange of the batteries, convenient charging with 100V household electricity, and practical benefits of no fueling.
By initially promoting the rental use of the new model by as many customers as possible, Komatsu hopes that customers will actually experience and appreciate its work performance, safety, environmental friendliness, and convenient use in order to further penetrate the market.
Main features of Komatsu's PC01E-1 electric micro excavator:
Eco-friendly, powerful electric motor
Because the machine is battery powered, there is no exhaust and no engine noise. Thanks to its electric motor, even in low revolutions, it enables stable, powerful work regardless of motor revolutions. It offers more power output than conventional models in low revolutions.
Portable and swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack e
Easy exchange and charging of the swappable batteries by anyone. Customers can continue work by exchanging batteries, which eliminates waiting time for charging. Charging is also easy and convenient because its exclusive charger connects to the 100V household power supply source.
New control panel
The new control panel displays the battery charge level in big letters in the centre of the monitor screen.
Easy maintenance
All engine-related maintenance work is no longer necessary, such as filter cleaning and fueling. Greasing is not necessary because oil-free bushings are used in its work equipment like in the conventional model. Daily inspection and maintenance work is substantially reduced.
Inheritance of compact body size
The battery box is installed in the rear of the equipment, inheriting the compact size of the current model of 580 mm width. It weighs 340 kg, lower than the max load capacity (350 kg) of Japanese mini trucks.
