Komatsu readies 13-ton electric excavator in Japan

Nov. 16, 2023
Marketed as a rental machine starting in 2024.

Komatsu Ltd. will make its 13-ton electric excavator available for rental in Japan in early 2024. The PC138E-11, powered by a lithium-ion battery, will be headed to Europe following the launch in Japan, according to the company.

The high-capacity lithium-ion battery is integrated with a cooling system for the battery and electric components, allowing it to achieve long operation time while reducing the rear-end swing radius.

Read also: Sustainability is more than a buzzword

Komatsu is marketing electric power to a variety of customers, with different machine operating conditions and power supply sources. By deploying the PC138E-11 as a rental machine, the company expects to broaden customer experience with electric power and accumulate customer feedback. 

The release of the Komatsu PC138E-11 is another step in the company’s strategy for market introduction of electrified construction equipment. Hydraulic excavators are the most versatile type of construction equipment, according to the company, and the 13-ton class is used in a wide range of job sites and applications.

About the Author

Rod Sutton

Sutton has served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment magazine and ConstructionEquipment.com since 2001. 

Our mission is to help managers of heavy equipment and trucks to improve their performance in acquiring and managing their fleets. One way we do that is with our Executive Institute, where experts share information and ideas that will enable equipment managers to accurately manage equipment costs so that they can deliver the optimum financial benefits to their organizations.

We also have a laser focus on product development, performance, and technology; as well as equipment acquisition, disposal, and maintenance. Our exclusive Field Tests take earthmoving equipment and truck into the field for professional evaluations.

Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

You can find Sutton on LinkedIn.