The machine’s battery is provided by the U.S. company Proterra, as since January 2021 the two companies have been jointly developing electric medium sized hydraulic excavators and have been conducting PoC (Proof of Concept) tests on advance research machines at customers' construction sites. The machine is scheduled to be introduced to the Japanese and European markets in 2023.

Hydraulic excavators in the mid-size class, in particular, are used in a wide range of jobsites and applications requiring power and durability to withstand a heavy load work. The model exhibited at bauma optimises the entire body control system by capitalising on Komatsu’s proprietary coordinating technology. It specifically integrates Proterra’s lithium ion battery technology which has a proven track record for use in heavy duty and commercial vehicles deployed in various fields around the world. In addition, Komatsu has developed a robust cage structure to provide additional protection on-board the vehicle for its battery packs. As a result, Komatsu says it has achieved digging performance and durability equivalent to those of engine driven hydraulic excavators. In addition, the high energy on-board the excavator’s Proterra powered battery system enables operation for up to eight hours when fully charged. The electric power enables comfortable working in urban and night time environments due to low noise and exhaust emissions levels. Zero engine vibration also helps reduce operator fatigue.

As global awareness of climate change accelerates, Komatsu has aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 with the aim of realising a sustainable society. In collaboration with its partners, Komatsu is developing electric construction equipment to achieve zero exhaust gas emissions and a significant reduction in noise emissions, with the vision of developing safe, highly productive, smart and clean workplaces of the future.

The company’s ‘Dantotsu’ value is defined as customer value creation that generates a positive cycle of improvement of earnings and ESG resolutions in Komatsu's mid-term management plan. Through this, Komatsu aims to strive to create new values in order to take steady steps forward to the next stage for the workplaces of the future as well as helping to deliver sustainable growth. Through this, Komatsu will strive to create new values to take steady steps forward to the next stage for the workplaces of the next generation.