Komatsu to show electric 13t excavator at Intermat

Komatsu will introduce a 13 tonne class electric excavator powered by lithium-ion batteries for the Japanese rental market in 2024 or later, and said a European launch would follow.

The PC138E-11 – an electric version of the PC138 models produced in Japan – will have a battery capacity of 225.6 kWh, operating weight of 15.3 tonnes, and shipping dimensions of 7.97m (L) by 2.49m (W) by 3.0m (H). Tailswing radius will be 1.83m.

The PC138E-11 will be shown at Intermat, but will be launched first in Japan. (Photo: Komatsu)

The machine will be shown by Komatsu at the Intermat exhibition in Paris in April, equipped with a Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit.

Komatsu said it had positioned its financial year 2023 – which ends on 31 March 2024 - as the first year for the market introduction of electrified machines.

It said the launch of the machine in Japan would help it “develop a broad range of new customer needs and establish the market for electric construction equipment.”

The OEM said the battery system, which includes a cooling system for the battery and electric components, allowed a long operation time while at the same time reducing the rear-end swing radius.

It added; “In regions where electric construction equipment markets are expected to be formed in the future, Komatsu is working to have a variety of customers - with different machine operating conditions and power supply sources - use this machine as a rental machine so that they are able to experience its environmental friendliness and safety.”

The PC138E announcement follows recent news that Komatsu and General Motors (GM) will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive haul truck, and the earlier announcement of Komatsu’s acquisition of American Battery Solutions (ABS), a Detroit-based battery specialist.