Komatsu launching electric micro-excavator PC01E-1 in Japan with swappable batteries
Komatsu Ltd. is going to launch the PC01E-1 electric micro excavator, developed jointly with Honda Motor Co., Ltd., as a rental model, in Japan in March this year.
Komatsu and Honda have developed the PC01E -1 by successfully electrifying the PC01 conventional micro excavator through the incorporation of the Honda Mobile Power Pack and Honda eGX electrified power unit.
The conventional model is typically used very close to people, trees and flowers for pipe-laying work, gardening, agriculture, livestock and the like. As a result of electrification, the PC01E-1 model not only reduces noise and exhaust heat substantially, but also enables eco- friendly, comfortable work in either indoor or outdoor environments, thanks to no exhaust gas.
As the batteries are swappable, customers can continue work simply by exchanging them.
As its new electric motor offers high performance even in low revolutions, the PC01E -1 model achieves more excavation than the conventional model in low revolutions. As there is no engine installed, customers will no longer need engine- related maintenance or fuelling, dynamically reducing daily inspection and maintenance work for them.
Customers, who tried the PC01E-1 model at their jobsites for our PoC test, have voiced their high evaluation, such as easy exchange of the batteries, convenient charging with 100V household electricity, an d practical benefits of no fuelling. They have also given high marks on work performance, stating: “I feel the new model is more powerful than the conventional one.”
By initially promoting the rental use of the new model by as many customers as possible, Komatsu hopes that customers will actually experience and appreciate its work performance, safety, environmental friendliness, and convenient use in order to further penetrate the market.
While continuing its commitment to Quality and Reliability, and working to maximize its corporate value, Komatsu is working to achieve safe, highly – productive, smart and clean workplaces of the future through DANTOTSU Value (ESG solutions and improvement of earnings through customer value creation).
