Electric micro excavator to hit market in 2023

Komatsu is powering up its pathway to electrification with the recent reveal of its PC05E-1 electric micro excavator, which the company has jointly developed with Honda.

The PC05E-1 is an expansion of the PC01E-1 model revealed last year, and is powered by a swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack and Honda eGX electrified power unit.

The PC05 ride-on excavator will be the base machine for the range and has been designed for small-scale civil engineering and construction work, including gas, electrical, and pipe-laying work.

A key feature of the PC05 is its massively reduced heat and noise emissions and zero exhaust emissions, making it ideal for use in urban areas and near homes.  

As the batteries are swappable, customers can continue their work simply by swapping out the batteries when one is running low, without having to wait for the battery to recharge.

In addition, the midship layout, with the battery located in the centre of the vehicle under the operator seat, offers both stability and compactness equivalent to its engine-powered counterpart, Komatsu said.

The company added the electric motor can exert power in the full rev range for powerful excavation even when working at low revs, which is a challenge for engine-powered models.

With a battery-powered machine, there is little to no maintenance involved as customers will no longer need to clean air cleaners and filters, check engine oil, or refuel.

Komatsu is currently working on the development and market introduction of different electric models, including the development of the PC05E-1 electric micro excavator.

Honda will exhibit a sample prototype of this machine at the 13th International Smart Grid Expo that is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from March 15 to 17, 2023.

Komatsu said it hopes to begin launching its electric construction equipment on to the market in FY2023.