Skip to main content

Komatsu just debuted an all-new electric mini excavator

Komatsu, the world’s second-largest construction equipment maker after Caterpillar, has premiered a new 3-ton class electric mini excavator.

Komatsu’s new electric mini excavator

The 115-volt electrical architecture PC33E-6, which Komatsu has introduced into the European market, has a 17.4 kW Komatsu electric motor and a 35 kWh Komatsu lithium-ion battery pack.

It features a 400V charger (external) input and can charge from 20-100% in just over an hour and a half. According to Heavy Equipment Guide, Komatsu introduced its own EV charging solutions at CONEXPO in March, including mobile charging for mini-excavators that is designed for environments with no power supply.

Emanuele Viel, group manager of utility at Komatsu, said:

The PC33E-6 features large capacity batteries and a highly efficient powerline, enabling most customers to work nonstop for a full shift before having to recharge. Thanks to a lightning-fast charging system, downtime is significantly reduced, allowing for increased productivity and efficiency on the job site.

The electric mini excavator has better performance than its diesel counterpart – Komatsu says its over-side lift capacity is more than 40% greater than its PC30MR-5 diesel model.

Electrek’s Take

Of course, Komatsu isn’t the first construction equipment maker to produce electric mini excavators – other global brands like Volvo and JCB already make them.

But every new electric construction equipment model that hits the market is a win, particularly so when it comes to mini excavators, due to their ubiquity. They’re used on nearly every construction project and also used in a lot of other ways, including farming and landscaping.

Electric mini excavators are more versatile than their diesel counterparts – they can be used safely indoors and in tight environments. They’re quiet, so they can be used at night or in areas that have noise regulations. And their noise reduction reduces accidents on construction sites because workers can communicate more easily. Most importantly, they’re zero emissions.

Read more: Komatsu’s first electric mid-size hydraulic excavator packs a Proterra battery


If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Michelle Lewis Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at michelle@9to5mac.com. Check out her personal blog.


Manage push notifications

notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications
notification icon
We would like to show you notifications for the latest news and updates.
notification icon
You are subscribed to notifications