Komatsu and Proterra work on e-excavator prototype

Proterra, a supplier of commercial vehicle electrification technology, and Komatsu will work on the equipment maker’s first battery-electric middle-weight excavator.
June 2, 2021
Komatsu will develop a prototype using a Proterra Powered system
Komatsu will develop a prototype using a Proterra Powered system

The collaboration represents Proterra’s entry into the off-road vehicle market and the company’s first Proterra Powered battery-electric construction equipment, according to California, US-based Proterra.

“Komatsu will use Proterra’s high-performance battery systems for the development of a proof-of-concept electric excavator in 2021 before expected commercial production in 2023 to 2024,” Proterra commented in a press statement. “The Proterra battery system powering the electric excavator will feature high energy density and fast charging technology.”

Proterra battery packs, made in the US, are already fitted within a variety of vehicles, including school buses, coach buses, delivery vans and low-floor cutaway shuttle buses.

“The packaging flexibility of Proterra’s battery platform will further enable the optimal placement of the batteries within the middle-class excavator and replace the need for a normal counterweight used to balance the excavator’s hydraulic arm movements,” Proterra stated.

“Proterra’s best-in-class battery technology has been proven in 16 million miles driven by our fleet of transit vehicles,” said Jack Allen, chief executive of Proterra. “What’s working in our battery-electric transit vehicles on roads across North America can work off-road, too.”

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