Heavy Equipment
Hyundai, Cummins team up to build electric mini excavator
This is a major step towards the future of electrified construction machinery.
Hyundai Construction Equipment has teamed up with Cummins to create an electric-powered mini excavator as part of its big push to deliver eco-friendly solutions for the equipment market.
The mini excavator has eight Cummins BM4.4E Li-ion battery modules connected in series and installed in the base of the vehicle. According to the company, the total battery capacity of 35.2 kWh enables the digger to operate for a full eight-hour shift and charge in less than three hours.
“As electric vehicles continue to expand their share in the automotive market, we are simultaneously seeing the electrification of commercial power systems being pursued by many as both an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable solution for construction equipment,” D.S. Kim, Hyundai’s senior executive vice president said in statement.
Last month, Hyundai CE trundled the prototype all-electric mini excavator into a quarry to start a 10-week Electric Site trial with haulers, a crusher and a wheel loader. The tests will help optimize performance, prove the structural integrity and enhance the marketability.
“Hyundai CE anticipates mini excavators, which operate in urban workplaces close to residential areas, will be a prime candidate to electrify to meet zero-emission and low noise requirements in the near future,” Kim said.
READ: Toyota enters construction truck market with Hino XL Series
Cummins executive director for Electrified Power Julie Furber said the creation of the machine is a major step towards the future of electrified construction machinery.
“This electric powered mini excavator is an exciting celebration of the future of electrified construction equipment – combining the strengths of HCE’s versatile excavator with Cummins’ lithium ion battery solutions and machine integration expertise,” Furber said, adding that Cummins was committed to pioneering the future of electrified power.
“We look forward to continuing to partner with companies like Hyundai CE to design and test the industry’s latest technologies.”
Although, it is not practically possible to silence the bucket scraping and lifting up dirt, the EX1 electic-mini excavator will not have a diesel engine rumbling away – keeping vehicle noise low while doing away with smoky emissions.
Caterpillar Unveils Industry’s Biggest Track Loader
The Cat 973 offers better fuel efficiency and more productivity.
AMHEC Makes Historic Saudi Liebherr Crane Order
The company has ordered a record 55 new Liebherr mobile cranes.
JCB Unveils Its Largest Excavator Yet: The JCB 370X
The 40-tonne JCB 370X is the latest addition to JCB’s X Series range.