KOMATSU has announced plans to introduce the PC200LCE-11 and 210LCE-11 models of its 20-tonnes class electric excavators to the rental markets in Europe and Japan.
The manufacturer also plans to gradually introduce these electric models in Asia, North America and Australia.
Komatsu has been jointly developing these electric models since January 2021 with Proterra, an American manufacturer based in California with a track record for high-load handling and commercial vehicles in various fields. Proterra provides the new machines with its lithium-ion batteries.
After conducting the PoC (Proof of Concept) tests at customer sites, Komatsu exhibited one of the models at bauma 2022 last October and at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in March of this year.
The firm is now ready to introduce them to the rental market. By using them under various operating conditions and with different power supply environments in regions where the electrified market is expected to be formed in the future, Komatsu added that customers will be able to experience their environmental friendliness and safety, while the business will compile feedback and knowledge to lead to the formation of the electrified market.
Komatsu has earmarked FY2023 as the first year for the market introduction of electric construction equipment, and the launch of these PC200LCE and 210LCE11 models follows the recent introduction of the Komatsu three-tonnes class electric mini-excavator.
