Kubota reveals electric mini excavator

Japanese equipment manufacturer Kubota has revealed a prototype electric mini excavator in Japan.

Unveiled at a product exhibition in Kyoto City, Kubota said it had developed the battery powered machine in response to the global shift towards electric vehicles, particularly in Europe where there are calls for banning diesel engines.

Glen Hampson, Business Development Manager, Kubota UK, said, “The unveiling of the prototype in Kyoto City is testament to this. Kubota is focused on overcoming the challenges that come with the use of electric machines, such as the issue around the amount of charging infrastructure available and limited battery capacity.”

The prototype is still being tested and is not ready for commercial production, said the manufacturer.

The machine will be powered by lithium-ion batteries and have an equivalent output to that of its existing diesel engines, said Kubota.

Meanwhile, Kubota continues to develop an alternative fuel model using LPG, with a launch planned for this year and mass production in 2021.

In a statement, Mikio Taguchi, Executive Vice President, Business Unit CE Europe, Kubota Holdings Europe (KHE), said; “We can also see potential in terms of practicality and productivity with an alternative fuel solution, i.e LPG, as exhibited at Bauma in April 2019, which is powered by a Kubota engine, allowing greater versatility through more applications. 

“We are planning to introduce the LPG sample models to get feedback from the market in advance of launching this year. Mass production will be planned for 2021.

“In line with LPG model project, the development for the electric model has accelerated in Japan…Kubota is dedicating all efforts to explore possibilities to make our lives more sustainable.”