Komatsu to showcase electric and battery tech at ConExpo

A komatsu excavator load material into a truck
Komatsu's PC210LCE electric excavator features Proterra's lithium-ion battery technology.

At ConExpo, Komatsu will showcase machines and technology engineered to help customers reduce their carbon footprint​ and to implement sustainable solutions, such as electrification.

Located at booth W42044, Komatsu will highlight several options designed to help manage energy transitions and increase efficiencies to help reduce fuel burn and emissions and make fleet management more efficient.​

Electric excavators

Coming soon to North America and featured in the Komatsu booth will be the 20-ton PC210LCE electric excavator, first introduced last fall at Bauma. Featuring Proterra’s lithium-ion battery technology, the excavator has 451 kWh of battery capacity, for 5 to 8 hours of operating time, depending on workload conditions.

The PC30E electric mini excavator​ will also be on display. Equipped with a 35-kWh battery and a 17.4 kW electric motor​, its batteries can be fast-charged.​ This electric mini-excavator is suitable for a diverse range of workplaces including operating indoors, urban construction and landscaping.​

Komatsu will also feature its PC01E electric micro excavator powered by portable and swappable mobile batteries.​ Developed with Honda, the micro excavator is designed for confined spaces in landscaping, agriculture and construction. Komatsu’s vision for the swappable battery system is to scale the technology for use in larger micro excavator models. ​

All three machines will be available in select markets in 2023.

Komatsu’s electric wheel loader concept

Developed in partnership with Moog Inc., the WA Electric wheel loader concept is based on the Komatsu WA70 wheel loader.

The WA Electric utilizes an electric traction motor, lift, tilt and steering cylinders, power electronics, system control computer, battery and battery management system. ​

Battery tech advancements

​To provide flexible charging solutions for varying applications and customer needs, Komatsu is exploring high-power-charging solutions and developing multiple power source options, including batteries. Three types of charging infrastructure options will be on display at the company’s booth.

The Komatsu Generation 2 charger is well-suited to adapt to varying site conditions, stepping voltage up or down to meet charging needs. With an input range from 400-1140V and an output of 300-900V, it features a universal CCS (AC/DC) charge plug and it too is transportable.

Developed in Partnership with Proterra, the Proterra portable charging concept is designed for use in off-grid locations where site power is inaccessible or unreliable.

The Komatsu portable charging concept for mini-excavators, exhibited as a charging solution concept for environments without a power supply, is compactly designed for easy transportation. In addition to charging mini-excavators, it can also be used to charge other electric equipment on the work site.

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HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator

Komatsu’s hybrid excavator is designed to deliver high production and efficiency with low fuel consumption. The machine is engineered for productivity with a Komatsu hybrid system that can provide an additional 70 Hp on demand​, the HB365LC-3 allows operators to be up to 15 per cent more productive in power mode, while offering up to 20 per cent more fuel efficiency and 20 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions when compared to the PC360LC-11. ​

MVT-II 600

To reduce waste in the quarry and cement production process, the newly rebranded Komatsu MVT-II-600 crusher uses tension — rather than compression — which can save significant energy, in some cases up to 90 per cent. The crushing process of the MVT-II 600 uses matched velocity technology (MVT) to generate far less fines in product, to help minimize waste production and disposal costs. Engineered for lower cost of ownership, the MVT-II 600 has replaceable bolt-on roll wear segments and durable pick technology and can consistently crush a combination of hard abrasive minerals and wet sticky material.