A partnership between Komatsu and Honda is producing an electrified version of a micro excavator.
The PC01E-1 is an electric version of earlier conventional models and is powered by a Honda eGX battery-powered motor. Earlier this year, the excavator was released as a rental model in its initial rollout in the Japanese market.
Due to its electric features the product is being marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to earlier models as it reduces noise output and exhaust heat from the machine. The PC01E-1 can also be used indoors since it has no exhaust fumes.
Honda and Komatsu first announced their partnership to develop the PC01E-1 in 2021 with Honda stating the companies strove to “establish a battery-sharing system for the civil engineering and construction industry.”
“Thanks to its electric motor, which is capable of high performance, even in low revolutions, it enables stable, powerful work regardless of motor revolutions, offering more power output than conventional models in low revolutions,” a Komatsu press release stated.
Here are some other nifty features of the PC01E-1:
- Convenient charging from 100V household power-supply source.
- Swappable batteries.
- Control panel that displays battery charge level.
- Easy maintenance due to lack of engine.
The PC01E-1 is light, weighing in at around 750 pounds, and packs some power with around 3.3 mechanical horsepower.
Komatsu is hoping that the excavator can make inroads into the equipment industry by first releasing it to the rental market.
The company intends for customers to experience the PC01E-1’s performance, safety, environmental friendliness and convenient use in order to further penetrate the market.
