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.
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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 served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment from 2001 through 2025.