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Komatsu will introduce a 13 tonne class electric excavator powered by lithium-ion batteries for the Japanese rental market in 2024 or later, and said a European launch would follow.

The PC138E-11 – an electric version of the PC138 models produced in Japan – will have a battery capacity of 225.6 kWh, operating weight of 15.3 tonnes, and shipping dimensions of 7.97m (L) by 2.49m (W) by 3.0m (H). Tailswing radius will be 1.83m.

The PC138E-11 will be shown at Intermat, but will be launched first in Japan. (Photo: Komatsu)

The machine will be shown by Komatsu at the Intermat exhibition in Paris in April, equipped with a Smart Construction 3D Machine Guidance kit.

Komatsu said it had positioned its financial year 2023 – which ends on 31 March 2024 - as the first year for the market introduction of electrified machines.

It said the launch of the machine in Japan would help it “develop a broad range of new customer needs and establish the market for electric construction equipment.”

The OEM said the battery system, which includes a cooling system for the battery and electric components, allowed a long operation time while at the same time reducing the rear-end swing radius.

It added; “In regions where electric construction equipment markets are expected to be formed in the future, Komatsu is working to have a variety of customers - with different machine operating conditions and power supply sources - use this machine as a rental machine so that they are able to experience its environmental friendliness and safety.”

The PC138E announcement follows recent news that Komatsu and General Motors (GM) will for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive haul truck, and the earlier announcement of Komatsu’s, a Detroit-based battery specialist.