KOMATSU has confirmed that a prototype for the company’s first fully electric compact wheel loader will be showcased at bauma 2022.
Designed and built together with Moog Inc, the battery-powered machine is now ready for joint testing.
Moog’s intelligent electric system includes an electric traction motor, lift, tilt and steering electric cylinders, power electronics, system control computer, battery, and battery management system.
The integrated control system connects and coordinates the actions across the machine, while the all-electric actuators and motors provide the force to the model’s traction and loading system.
“To achieve our CO2 emission reduction targets from products in use of 50% by 2030 from 2010 levels, to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of 2050, we are looking for promising technologies from suppliers to accelerate our electric machine development,” explained Seiichi Fuchita, chief technology officer and president of development division at Komatsu.
“The machine built together with Moog combines the strengths of both companies and was finalised within a short period of time and we expect the joint testing will show the advantages of a full electric machine and will prove collaboration is beneficial for both sides.”
Both companies plan to jointly test the fully electric loader after bauma to prove that it can achieve a ‘new level of efficiency, operating time, and comfort’. The test will show that the machine’s operating cycle is extended, and, with assist functions, that it provides a ‘fatigue-proof’ and comfortable environment.
The prototype’s intelligent machine electrification system is designed to be connected and automation-ready.
