Komatsu also winked at decarbonisation at bauma

As we mentioned in the headline, Komatsu also winked at decarbonization at bauma Munich. It couldn’t have been any other way, given the Japanese company’s focus on hybridization and electrification.

And, before what we saw in Munich, let us remind you that…

In 2023 Komatsu acquired American Battery Solutions. The acquisition of ABS will enable Komatsu to develop and produce its own battery-operated construction and mining equipment, through the integration of ABS’ battery technology with Komatsu’s knowledge and network.

Also at the end of the same year was the collaboration between the Japanese and General Motors on hydrogen fuel cell-powered mining trucks.

Electrification and more: a short preview

Komatsu unveiled at bauma three electric models the PC20E, PC26E, and PC33E complete with new cab specification, especially focused on the European market, and offer customers a sustainable and powerful solution for a variety of excavation tasks. “Komatsu is committed to developing innovative and sustainable technologies that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” says Emanuele Viel, Group Manager for the Utility line at Komatsu Europe. “The new electric mini excavators are a confirmation of this ongoing commitment, offering zero emissions operation without compromising on performance. Komatsu set a challenging target of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, which means virtually eliminating CO2 emissions not only from our own sites and from the use of our products, but also from customers’ sites. Komatsu aims to meet the needs of our customers by introducing a diverse range of electrified construction equipment.”

And now, an abstract of out talk with Komatsu team at bauma 2025

We addressed Komatsu’s strategies directly at their stand at bauma. We will tell you all about it in the July issue of POWERTRAIN International. Right now we anticipate some insights of interest to you.We asked about the impressions of this edition of the 2025 edition. At the previous event, electrification was the central theme. Given the changes in the European economy and globally, has the momentum around electrification slowed down or just been delayed?

“At the last Bauma, we introduced the PC4000 electric excavator, our first electrified mining machine“ they answered. “Since then, we’ve expanded the range up to the PC7000, with all models in between now available in either diesel or electric versions. All of those large machines are tethered. At the previous edition, we also showed a prototype of a fully electric wheel loader, which has now progressed to near pre-production stage. So we’ve made significant strides in developing our electrified range. We also launched the PC33E electric excavator back then, initially with just a canopy. Now, it features a fully enclosed cab and is manufactured in Europe for the European market. This week at Bauma, we’re presenting two smaller electric excavators—2-tonne and 2.5-tonne models—alongside several pre-production machines designed for market trials: the PC30E, PC138E, and PC210E. These will enter full production in the coming years. All are fully electric, electric-hydraulic excavators.”

To read the rest, we invite you to read the July-August issue of POWERTRAIN International. Coming soon…