CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 attendees see the future of construction as manufacturers highlight electric equipment
Electric! That describes both the atmosphere and an abundance of new machines at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, which was held March 14-18 in Las Vegas. With an eye toward sustainability, a host of manufacturers across multiple industries debuted electric and autonomous equipment designed to reduce fuel usage and carbon footprints.
A record crowd of more than 139,000 people attended North America’s largest equipment show, which was co-located with the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 2,400 exhibitors from 36 countries were spread out across approximately 3 million square feet of exhibit space, which was about 10% larger than the previous show in 2020.
“The innovations in the construction industry unveiled this week will play a role in helping construction professionals drive meaningful and sustainable economic growth,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Chair Phil Kelliher. “Live events in the construction industry are very important, because you can see, touch and experience the products. That value was reaffirmed this past week across the show floor.”
Sustainable focus
Komatsu introduced innovative electric products such as the 20-ton PC210LCE electric excavator that features Proterra’s lithium-ion battery technology. It has 451 kilowatt hours (kWh) of battery capacity that offer up to 8 hours of operating time, depending on workload conditions and application.
Suitable for a diverse range of workplaces, including indoors, the Komatsu PC30E electric mini excavator with a 35-kWH battery and a 17.4-kilowatt electric motor was on display. The PC30E is designed to be fast-charged, and it offers quiet and simple operation with zero emissions and no vibrations.
Attendees had the opportunity to see Komatsu’s smallest electric excavator — the PC01E electric micro excavator. Developed jointly with Honda, it is powered by portable and swappable mobile batteries. The new machine is designed for confined spaces in landscaping, agriculture and construction.
Komatsu’s vision for the swappable battery system is to scale up the technology for use in larger micro excavator models. The PC210LCE, PC30E and PC01E will be available in select markets later this year.
Komatsu also showcased three types of charging infrastructure, as well as its WA electric wheel loader prototype with a chassis based on the WA70. The wheel loader prototype utilizes an “intelligent electrification system” that features an electric traction motor, lift, tilt and steering cylinders, power electronics, a system control computer, a battery, and a battery management system.
In addition to electric equipment, Komatsu highlighted its HB365LC-3 hybrid excavator designed for high production and efficiency with low fuel consumption. Its hybrid system can provide an additional 70 horsepower on demand and allows operators to be up to 15% more productive in Power mode. The hybrid’s environmentally friendly operation offers up to 20% more fuel efficiency and 20% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to the standard PC360LC-11.
Also on display was Komatsu’s suite of Smart Construction solutions — Dashboard, Design, Drone, Field, Fleet, Office, Remote and Retrofit — designed to optimize the job site, as well as its new Smart Quarry solutions that help increase efficiency, improve production, and maintain a high level of performance, such as Smart Quarry Site and Smart Quarry Study.
Lastly, Komatsu featured its intelligent Machine Control (iMC) 2.0 dozers and excavators, along with the new PC900LC-11 excavator, and other construction and forestry machines.
“We had a lot of great conversations at the show and really wanted customers to take away that we are committed to working with them to create value together,” said Komatsu’s Brandon Rakers, Senior Product Manager for Technology Business Solutions. “CONEXPO gives us the opportunity to show attendees how Komatsu can be an end-to-end solutions provider with equipment and digital tools that can help increase efficiency and reduce costs.”
CONEXPO-CON/AGG is scheduled to return to the Las Vegas Convention Center March 3-7, 2026.
Learn more about Komatsu at CONEXPO
