Hitachi invests in mobile energy storage technology

Hitachi Construction Machinery has signed an agreement with Netherlands-based Alfen BV and Japanese trading firm Itochu to collaborate on the development of mobile energy storage systems to charge construction equipment on sites.

The deal follows a similar agreement with Kyushu Electric Power for the joint development of mobile energy storage systems for the Japanese market.

Hitachi battery powered excavators powered by an Alfens energy storage unit (Photo: Hitachi)

Hitachi’s European subsidiary will begin sales and rentals of Alfen’s ‘TheBattery’ mobile energy storage system in Europe in 2024. Itochu and its overseas affiliates will provide financial support to Hitachi and its dealers.

The companies will consider sales outside of Europe in the future, as well as the reuse and recycling of used portable charging equipment.

Alfen, based in Almere, builds a battery storage system that fits into a 10ft container, allowing for easy transport by truck in Europe. On a full charge the system can charge a 13t class battery-driven excavator around two times.

The latest deal follows a wider agreement in August 2022 between Hitachi and Itochu to cooperate in the sales, distribution, financing, rental, and used sales of construction and mining machinery.

Hitachi is currently taking orders for four battery-driven compact excavators for urban projects developed with KTEG GmbH in Europe. Several of these were seen at Bauma last year. KTEG also offers its PowerTree mobile energy storage system.

The OEM said; “By increasing the number of partner companies through this collaboration, the company aims to enhance its product lineup and service menu in addition to KTEG Power Tree…and accelerate its contributions to the realisation of zero emission construction sites, which is an area of rapidly growing interest.”

In a related development, Hitachi in Japan will establish a ‘Zero Emission EV-Lab’, described as a research facility for collaboration with customers and partners to achieve zero emissions at work sites. The lab will be in Ichikawa, Chiba prefecture, and will open by May 2024.

Equipment at the site will include battery-powered electric excavators (2t, 5t, 8t, and 13t models) manufactured by the Hitachi Construction Machinery, as well as mobile energy storage systems and other related construction equipment.

In addition, Isuzu Motors Ltd., Itochu, Kyushu Electric Power and others will join the project as partners. The facility will enable customers and partners from around the world to explore the challenges and possibilities of achieving zero emissions at construction sites, said Hitachi.