Komatsu and Honda jointly developed the “PC05E-1” electric micro-excavator – expanding the range of models powered by portable and interchangeable mobile batteries
March 8, 2023
Komatsu Ltd. (hereinafter “Komatsu”) (Hiroyuki Ogawa, President and CEO) and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Honda”) (Toshihiro Mibe, Director, President and Representative Executive Officer) have jointly developed the PC05E-1, an enlarged model of the PC01E-1 electric micro-excavator, with the aim of introducing soon to the Japanese market in fiscal year 2023. Honda will display a sample prototype of this machine at the 13th SMART GRID INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION (to be held in Tokyo from March 15 to 17, 2023).
【PC05E-1 Electric Micro Excavator】
This machine is an expanded model of the PC01E-1 electric micro excavator, which was launched in the Japanese market in March 2022. Like the PC01E-1, the PC05E-1 is powered by the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: (Mobile Power Pack e*1, hereinafter “replaceable mobile battery”) and Honda eGX electrified power unit as the power source. The PC05 is the base machine for the electric micro-excavator and is used for civil engineering and small-scale construction work among Komatsu construction equipment, including gas, electrical and pipe laying work.
The PC05E-1 achieves a dramatic reduction in noise and heat emission, which are the characteristics of electric micro-excavators. The zero exhaust emission is also environmentally friendly, allowing you to work comfortably in any environment, whether indoors or outdoors. Because the batteries are interchangeable, customers can continue working by simply changing them, when one runs out, without waiting for the battery to recharge. In addition, the midship layout, with the battery located in the center of the vehicle under the operator’s seat, offers stability and compactness equivalent to its powered counterpart. In addition, the adoption of an electric motor that can exert power in the full RPM range allows for powerful digging even when working at low RPMs, which are a challenge for powered models. In terms of maintenance, since the engine is not mounted, customers will no longer need to clean the filters and air filters, check the engine oil or refuel, which significantly reduces the daily work of time-consuming inspection and maintenance.
Komatsu is working on the development and market introduction of different electric models, including the development of the “PC05E-1” electric micro-excavator. Komatsu positions 2023 as the first year to launch electric construction equipment on the market. Komatsu is working towards the introduction and early market penetration of these equipment in order to create a market for electric construction equipment.
DANTOTSU Value is defined as customer value creation that generates a positive cycle of profit improvement and ESG resolutions in Komatsu’s mid-term management plan, titled “DANTOTSU Value – Together, to ‘The Next’ for sustainable growth “. Through this value of DANTOTSU, Komatsu will strive to create new values in order to take steady steps towards the next stage for the workplace of the future and pass on a sustainable future to the next generation.
*1: Honda Mobile Power Pack e: is a portable and interchangeable mobile battery developed by Honda.
*2: Some specifications of the prototype vehicle may differ from those of the commercially produced model.
Number: 0094 (3214)
Department of Corporate Communication
Sustainability Promotion Division
Komatsu Ltd.
phone: +81-(0)3-5561-2616
Email: JP00MB_cc_department@global.komatsu
*Information may be subject to change without notice.
