Komatsu Collaborates with Proterra For Construction Machinery
Industry giants come together in developing battery powered heavy machines
Proterra is a leading company within the scope of the electric vehicle industry. The company’s mission to produce zero-emission vehicles caught the attention of Komatsu which is also an industry leader within the spectrum of the heavy machine industry. Both companies have established a working relationship towards bringing zero emission to construction sites as Komatsu races to achieve its 2050 vision of manufacturing zero emission machines.
Komatsu and Proterra have been focused on the development of medium-sized electric powered hydraulic excavators and within just one year the collaboration have been conducting on site proof-of-concept tests at active construction sites and for excavator hire company operations. This collaboration effectively marks the American battery maker’s debut into the off-road vehicle spectrum. This collaboration also sees the first Proterra battery used for construction equipment which revolves around high energy density and rapid charging technology.
Proterra has engineering and manufacturing a range of customizable battery packs that have designed to fit into a wide variety of vehicles. It was the packaging flexibility of the battery maker’s platform that piqued the interest of Komatsu that was already looking into optimal placement of batteries as part of the ‘counterweight system’ for the manufacturer’s middle class excavator categories in order to balance the hydraulic arm motions of the excavator.
Seiichi Fuchita who is the head of development for Komatsu Ltd said that this collaboration between Proterra and Komatsu will certainly speed up the electrification of construction equipment which is in line with Komatsu’s 2050 vision. Proterra has long involved with the process of electrifying the vehicles of major car manufacturers with world class OEMs. In line with this Komatsu has made a move that they will be showcasing a 20 tonne hydraulic excavator the all-electric PC210E at Bauma 2022 in Munich.
The machine expected to make its debut into the Asian and European markets. Where demand is high for such construction equipment as early as 2023. According to Fuchita, the PC210E will also fitted with a total body control system that leverages on Komatsu’s coordinating technology. Thus far the lithium-ion battery by the US-based Proterra performs up to expectation. And to enhance the operational aspect of the excavator. Komatsu has tweaked components which include the hydraulic pump and electric motor which drain battery power.
Other specifics include the redesigned cage structure which made to more robust. Which enhance protection for the battery on board the machine which has resulted in the PC210E being able to perform. As well as standard traditional engine-driven hydraulic excavators. Based on tests conducted at actual construction sites, the batteries are able to work continuously. Between 5 to 9 hours depending on the type of tasks at hand or workload. The quiet engine and zero exhaust emission allow the machine to used comfortably at densely populated areas. Even during the night which is part of the objective for this particular model (to used in urbanised environments). The PC210E exerts almost zero engine vibration which reduces operator fatigue significantly which improves productivity levels considerably.
Komatsu committed towards achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050 which is within the manufacturer’s objective to realizing sustainable societies. Such collaborations with partners such as Proterra in developing electric powered construction equipment hits home. With the company’s aim towards zero emissions. Significant reduction in noise and establishing smart and clean work environments that is both safe and highly productive. For more information on Bauma 2022 please visit the official website to get more information. On all the types of construction equipment and manufacturers that will involved in trade fair.
