Battery-powered micro excavator in the works

Japanese powerhouses, Honda and Komatsu, have both agreed to work together on electrifying Komatsu’s range of micro excavators using Honda’s Mobile Power Pack (MPP). Not only that, both companies are striving to establish a battery-sharing system for the construction industry which will enable mutual use of MPPs among various types of construction machinery.

This is not Komatsu’s first foray into the world of electrification, as the business introduced a battery-powered mini excavator to the Japanese rental market in April 2020. Earlier this year, in celebration of the company’s 100th anniversary, Komatsu released a fully electric, remote-controlled mini excavator prototype.

Honda has also been at the forefront of battery technology with its MPP and MPP-powered business-use two-wheeled and three-wheeled scooters.

Through this joint development, the two companies will electrify the Komatsu PC01 micro excavator by equipping it with Honda MPPs and an electrified power unit (eGX). The PC01, weighing just 380kg, is the world’s smallest riding excavator model and had been chosen for the project due to its wide range of applications that sees it work near people, trees, flowers and plants.

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The companies are hoping to unveil an electrified Komatsu PC01 before March 31, 2022.

In addition to significantly reduced noise and exhaust heat, the electrified micro excavator will also emit zero exhaust gas, which is a massive benefit to the environment.

The lack of harmful emissions, noise and heat will enable users to work comfortably in various indoor and outdoor environments, the companies added.

In addition, the use of Honda’s MPP as the power source for the micro excavators means users can simply swap out the battery for a fully-charged unit when the machine runs out of power, without having to connect the excavator to a power source to recharge, hence reducing down time.

Following the excavator electrification project, Honda and Komatsu will continue to work together to realise a system for supplying MPPs to civil engineering and construction sites with electrified fleets, including the offering of after-sales services such as a battery swapping system.

Further down the road, Honda and Komatsu plan to electrify other micro and mini excavator models with operating weight of up to one tonne. Both companies will also jointly explore possibilities for MPP-based electrification of a wide range of construction equipment and are looking to introduce the electrified products to markets outside Japan.