Hitachi expands battery-powered excavator line-up in Europe

In response to the growing demand for electric equipment to work on low or zero-emission job sites, Hitachi is developing several battery-powered excavators, from two to 14 tonnes, for the European market. The five-tonne ZX55US-6EB is the first to be introduced and was displayed at Bauma this year. It was joined by prototype models, the ZX23U-6EB, ZX85US-6EB, and ZX135-7EB.

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All the new models draw on Hitachi’s rich heritage as an electrical company, and its experience and expertise in producing wired ultra-large excavators to mines around the world. Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd has also recently announced a joint venture with Kiesel Technology GmbH – Kenki Technology Group GmbH (KTEG) – to expedite the time to market for its zero-emission construction equipment.

Low-noise performance

The new compact models will help customers to work quietly and productively, operate effortlessly in small spaces, and perform efficiently with fewer maintenance requirements and less downtime than conventional diesel models.

Customers can choose between battery-powered operation, using lithium-ion batteries, and wired operation, which allows the machines to work while charging. Utilising both methods ensures operators can work productively and continuously throughout the day, while enjoying the comfortable cab with air conditioning as standard (ZX55U-6EB).

Further underlining its commitments to delivering sustainable solutions, Hitachi intends to expand its battery-powered products line-up in Europe in the future. “We are working hard to meet the growing demand for zero-emission equipment and listening carefully to our customers’ requirements for improved safety, increased productivity and reduced life-cycle costs,” says Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV President Takaharu Ikeda.