Under the concerned joint-development agreement, the two parties will electrify Komatsu’s PC01 micro excavator by equipping it with Honda MPPs and an electrified power unit (eGX), because it is typically used very close to people, trees, and flowers for pipe-laying work, agriculture, and more. Komatsu is working to launch the PC01 micro electric excavator by the end of FY2021. Thanks to electrification of the micro excavator, noise and exhaust heat will be reduced, and the PC01 will be environmentally friendly with no exhaust gas and will enable a comfortable level of work at different work sites.
The Honda MPP offers an innate advantage of continuous use of electric machines without recharging the battery. Equipped with the Honda MPP, the PC01 will simplify the power supply and improve convenience for customers. After launching the PC01, Honda and Komatsu will conduct verification tests to improve the convenience of electric construction equipment by supplying Honda MPPs to civil engineering and construction sites and offering after sales services, including a battery swapping system.
Looking into the future, the two partners will not only undertake joint electrification of other micro and mini electric excavators of up to the 1-ton class, but also engage in joint studies of MPP-based electrification for a variety of equipment used on civil engineering and construction sites, as well as overseas business launches.
