The aggregate industry is making strides toward a lower-emissions future.
Komatsu and Proterra, a developer of vehicle electrification technology, established a partnership to leverage Proterra’s battery technology for the development of Komatsu’s first battery-electric middle-class hydraulic excavator.
According to Proterra, Komatsu will utilize its high-performance battery systems for the development of a proof-of-concept electric excavator in 2021, with commercial production expected to begin in 2023 to 2024.
The Proterra battery system is designed to reach high-energy density and fast-charging technology, the company says, and is customizable to fit within a variety of vehicles.
The packaging flexibility of the battery platform aims to enable the optimal placement of batteries within the middle-class excavator and replace the need for a normal counterweight used to balance the excavator’s hydraulic arm movements, according to Proterra.
The collaboration marks Proterra’s entry into the off-road vehicle market and its first battery-electric construction equipment.
“As more communities embrace a zero-emission future, Proterra is excited to partner with Komatsu to develop battery-electric construction equipment,” says Jack Allen, CEO of Proterra. “Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology has been proven in 16 million miles driven by our fleet of transit vehicles. What’s working in our battery-electric transit vehicles on roads across North America can work off-road, too. We look forward to collaborating with Komatsu to deliver the benefits of emissions-free, quiet Proterra-powered vehicles to more communities around the world.”
