THE ROAD TO ZERO EMISSIONS
As sustainability continues to climb higher on the construction industry agenda, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd and KTEG are meeting the challenge by offering a range of zero-emission excavators. Nine models will be showcased at Bauma 2025 – making up one third of HCME’s innovative display.
THE ROAD TO ZERO EMISSIONS
As sustainability continues to climb higher on the construction industry agenda, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd and KTEG are meeting the challenge by offering a range of zero-emission excavators. Nine models will be showcased at Bauma 2025 – making up one third of HCME’s innovative display.
The range of electric machines demonstrates the companies’ ongoing commitment to developing products for zero-emission job sites that also contribute to a low-carbon society. Three of the models – from 1.7 to 14 tonnes – have been manufactured by Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd (HCM), while the other six have been developed by KTEG, the joint venture between HCM and Kiesel Technology Entwicklung GmbH.
All but one of these machines is electric-powered (the other is a hydrogen concept excavator, see box on page 11). Their development reflects Hitachi’s long-term belief that clean technologies are the way forward, especially as performance levels are similar to diesel alternatives.
Going electric provides customers with several benefits on site. For example, because there are no exhaust gases, ventilation is no longer an issue when operating indoors or doing tunnelling work. In addition, the absence of a diesel engine means that working areas are significantly quieter.
This enhances safety as operators can easily communicate with one another while the machine is running, and it also contributes to a more comfortable working environment. In addition, low-noise performance can help contractors run jobs for longer, especially in urban areas where sound issues can come into play.
Most machines have the option of running from batteries or direct from the grid via cable connection. This flexibility helps make the electric excavator an increasingly practical choice, not just an environmentally sound one. The aim is to ensure a machine’s availability for one day by maximising battery capacity and minimising charging time.
The zero-emission solutions at Bauma are in line with the HCM vision to contribute towards creating a safe and sustainable society. They will also help to meet the increasing demand for emission-free excavators, particularly due to growing environmental restrictions in cities, which are expected in line with the European Green Deal.
“We recognise the industry challenges to comply with requirements for zero-emission job sites, and we embrace these as an opportunity to collaborate and develop innovative solutions for our customers," says HCME President Francesco Quaranta.
“To make zero-emission job sites a reality, it is important to provide not only our products, but also solutions combined with related products, such as energy storage systems. We must also consider the entire charging infrastructure required. We approach the entire process with partners and this is the key to success.”
Debut model
The smallest model, the ZX17U, will be making its debut at Bauma. Developed in partnership with Dimaag AI, this excavator comes with a swappable battery and charger, ensuring availability for one day. Other Hitachi electric machines to be displayed are the ZX55U-6EB and the ZX135-7EB. They will appear alongside an Alfen NV 422kWh energy storage system and charging unit, developed with Itochu Corporation and HCM.
The ZX55U-6EB uses 39kWh lithium-ion batteries so customers can enjoy batterypowered functionality, or opt for cable operation as the machine works while charging from a CEE 400VAC 3-phase power source. Utilising both methods ensures operators can work continuously, while enjoying the comfortable cab with air conditioning as standard.
The ZX135-7EB provides the same level of performance as the diesel version on which it is based. It has a power rating of 74kW along with a 200kWh battery capacity. That battery only takes around two hours to recharge, thanks to CCS2 rapid charging technology. The machine can also be recharged with a 2X CEE63 AC connection, and will work while connected to the grid. All these different options make it ideal for a wide range of tasks
Innovative KTEG collaborations
Among the innovative KTEG solutions at Bauma is the ZE150W electric wheeled excavator. It is equipped with a powerful, high-capacity 300kWh battery to ensure an extended runtime for demanding tasks. The ZE150W also has advanced electric axles that provide a highly efficient drive system that optimises energy usage and maximises operational hours.
“We’re excited to present this model at Bauma,” says KTEG Managing Director Harald Thum. “The new drive train powering electric axles out of the battery directly without hydraulics in between significantly increases efficiency.”
Another KTEG collaboration is the ZE225 electric medium-sized excavator, which comes equipped with a two-piece boom. The 25-tonne machine has a modular battery system that delivers up to 400kWh capacity, ensuring it can carry out a variety of tasks.
In addition, the ZE225 can be cable-operated for continuous availability and configured to the power supply available on the job site. This new model also provides the hydraulic power and performance operators expect from conventional excavators.
Meanwhile, the ZE17 cable-powered mini excavator is available with 11kW and 3,000 rpm engine speed. With a superior performance than its diesel equivalent in user tests, this model is ideal for indoor demolition. Its flexibility is enhanced with the optional OQR30 rotation quick coupler. A transparent display makes for easy handling and simplifies set-up procedures. In addition, the automatic extension and retraction of the power cable is made possible by using the optional spring cable reel system.
Completing the KTEG-Hitachi line-up of electric-powered machines is the ZX85-6EB, which comes with a new 200kWh battery pack that provides increased capacity. “This is true innovation,” says Harald, “as it ensures uninterrupted operation throughout the working day.”
The ZX85-6EB will be in the demonstration area of the HCME stand at Bauma, alongside a fully autonomous 15-tonne excavator, based on the ZE135.