Komatsu, the world’s second-largest construction equipment maker after Caterpillar, has premiered a new 3-ton class electric mini excavator.
Komatsu’s new electric mini excavator
The 115-volt electrical architecture PC33E-6, which Komatsu has introduced into the European market, has a 17.4 kW Komatsu electric motor and a 35 kWh Komatsu lithium-ion battery pack.
It features a 400V charger (external) input and can charge from 20-100% in just over an hour and a half. According to Heavy Equipment Guide, Komatsu introduced its own EV charging solutions at CONEXPO in March, including mobile charging for mini-excavators that is designed for environments with no power supply.
Emanuele Viel, group manager of utility at Komatsu, said:
The PC33E-6 features large capacity batteries and a highly efficient powerline, enabling most customers to work nonstop for a full shift before having to recharge. Thanks to a lightning-fast charging system, downtime is significantly reduced, allowing for increased productivity and efficiency on the job site.
The electric mini excavator has better performance than its diesel counterpart – Komatsu says its over-side lift capacity is more than 40% greater than its PC30MR-5 diesel model.
Electrek’s Take
Of course, Komatsu isn’t the first construction equipment maker to produce electric mini excavators – other global brands like Volvo and JCB already make them.
But every new electric construction equipment model that hits the market is a win, particularly so when it comes to mini excavators, due to their ubiquity. They’re used on nearly every construction project and also used in a lot of other ways, including farming and landscaping.
Electric mini excavators are more versatile than their diesel counterparts – they can be used safely indoors and in tight environments. They’re quiet, so they can be used at night or in areas that have noise regulations. And their noise reduction reduces accidents on construction sites because workers can communicate more easily. Most importantly, they’re zero emissions.
Read more: Komatsu’s first electric mid-size hydraulic excavator packs a Proterra battery
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