Komatsu to target Europe with 3-ton lithium-ion electric mini excavator

Komatsu will introduce a new 3-ton electric mini excavator equipped with a lithium-ion battery to the European market. The company says this is an opportunity to develop a market for electric construction equipment as it works towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

The new machine is a fully remodeled version of the PC30E-5 3-ton electric mini excavator which was introduced as a rental model in the Japanese market in 2020. While maintaining the current machine's features of zero exhaust gas, zero exhaust heat, low noise, and low vibration, the new machine is equipped with a lithium-ion battery in place of a lead-acid battery, which extends operating hours and makes the vehicle more compact and lightweight.

Komatsu has positioned fiscal year 2023 as the first year for the market introduction of electric construction equipment, and the introduction of this fully remodeled 3-ton class machine is the first step in that direction. Komatsu is planning to launch this model in Japan as well. The 3-ton class and other smaller models are often used for urban civil engineering and indoor work sites. Komatsu has received requests from customers for small electric construction equipment with zero exhaust emissions and low noise. Komatsu regards the market introduction of this new electric model as a springboard for the development of a market for small electric construction equipment.

In indoor and nighttime work, engine-driven equipment has burdened on-site workers and the surrounding environment with exhaust gases and noise. This machine achieves a clean working environment with zero exhaust emissions. In addition, since it does not generate loud noise and vibration, it reduces the stress and fatigue of workers, improves safety through communication among workers, and provides positive considerations for the surrounding environment.

A high-capacity lithium-ion battery extends the continuous operation time by approximately 20 percent compared to the conventional electric model. Furthermore, the weight has been reduced by approximately 25 percent and the tail swing radius has been shortened by approximately 30 percent compared to the conventional model. Both extended operating hours and a more compact body enable the machine to operate in a wider range of sites.

As routine checks and high-voltage areas are completely separated, you can safely engage in routine maintenance without worrying about high-voltage danger. Furthermore, there are no checkup items related to the engine or fuel.