Komatsu, a Japanese construction equipment manufacturer, has introduced the world's first electric hydraulic excavator weighing 20 tons. The machine, named HB215LC-1E, is powered by batteries and has no emissions. It is also quieter than conventional excavators.

TheHB215LC-1E has an operating time of up to eight hours on a single charge. It can be recharged in two hours using a standard 400-volt industrial power outlet.

The machine is equipped with Komatsu's proprietary Proterra battery system, which uses lithium-ion batteries. The system is designed to provide a long service life and to be easily recycled at the end of its useful life.

TheHB215LC-1E excavator will be available for sale in Japan from April 2020.