The
two companies have been at the forefront of the industry in taking initiative
to realise products with low environmental impact. Honda has been expanding the
lineup of products powered by MPPs, and Komatsu introduced a battery-powered
mini excavator to the Japanese market in April 2020.
Through
this joint development, the two companies will electrify the Komatsu PC01 micro
excavator by equipping it with Honda MPPs and an electrified power unit (eGX).
Among various construction machines Komatsu offers, the PC01 is most likely to
be used for various functions at worksites near people, trees, flowers and
ornamental plants, including pipe-laying, landscaping and agricultural and
livestock work. The two companies will strive to introduce the electrified
Komatsu PC01 before the end of the current fiscal year, ending March 31, 2022.
In
addition to significantly reducing noise and exhaust heat, electrification of
the micro excavator will reduce its environmental impact by realizing “zero
exhaust gas emission,” which enables users to work comfortably in various
indoor and outdoor work environments. Moreover, by taking advantage of the
unique features of MPP as a swappable battery, the user can continue using the
electrified equipment without waiting for a MPP to recharge. By powering
Komatsu equipment with Honda MPPs, the two companies will strive to make energy
supply easier and realise enhanced convenience for customers.
After
the market introduction of the electrified micro excavator, the two companies
will undertake demonstration testing of a structure to supply MPPs to civil
engineering and construction sites and enhance the convenience of electrified
construction machinery and equipment by offering after-sales services,
including a battery swapping system.
Further
down the road, the two companies will conduct joint development to electrify
other micro excavator models as well as mini excavator models in the class with
operating weight of up to 1 ton. Moreover, the two companies will jointly
explore possibilities for MPP-based electrification of a wide range of
equipment used at civil engineering and construction worksites and introducing
such electrified products to markets outside Japan.
By
adding a wide variety of electrified civil engineering and construction
equipment to the smart power operation which already includes Honda’s
electrified mobility and power products, Honda is striving to establish a broad
network of MPP-based battery-sharing systems. By further pursuing zero
emissions and utilization of renewable energy at the worksites of its
customers, Honda will continue making contributions to the realization of a
sustainable and “circular” society which strives for zero environmental
impact.