Komatsu Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Komatsu”) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. are jointly developing the PC05E-1 electric mini excavator, aiming to launch it in the Japan domestic market as soon as possible in FY2023. The prototype of the machine was demonstrated at the 13th International Smart Grid Exhibition (held in Tokyo, Japan on March 15 ~ March 17, 2023).
👈Electric micro-excavation prototype “PC05E-1”.
This is the second model to be developed following the successful launch of the PC01E-1 electric mini excavator in Japan in March 2022, and the development of this machine will further expand Komatsu’s electric excavator lineup. Like the PC01E-1, which is mainly used for small-scale civil and construction work, gas, electrical, and indoor plumbing work, the power source of the PC05 is electrified using the Honda Mobile Power Pack e (swappable battery) and electric power unit (egX).
The electric mini excavator has the characteristics of being able to greatly reduce noise and heat emissions, and at the same time, “zero exhaust emissions” is more environmentally friendly, and can work comfortably in both indoor and outdoor environments. Since the battery is replaceable, when the battery balance is insufficient, it can continue to work by replacing the battery, and there is no need to waste time on charging. In addition, the battery is placed in the middle of the body under the operator’s seat, achieving the same stability and compactness as a gasoline vehicle. In addition, the electric motor ensures power output in the full rpm range, and ensures strong digging force even in low-rpm operations that gasoline vehicles are not good at. In terms of maintenance, since there is no engine installed, there is no longer a need to clean filters such as air filters, oil checks, and fuel replenishment, and the time-consuming and laborious routine inspection and maintenance work will be greatly reduced.
Komatsu is committed to the R&D and market launch of various electric construction machinery, and will position FY2023 as the first year of market launch of electrified construction machinery, and will actively seek the early market launch and popularization of PC05E-1 in order to promote the formation of the electrified construction machinery market.
Komatsu is striving to pass on a sustainable future to the next generation through the DANTOTSU Value (creating customer value through a virtuous cycle of profit improvement and ESG problem solving) as set forth in the medium-term management plan “DANTOTSU Value–Together, to ‘The Next’ for sustainable growth.”
