Hitachi’s electric drive project for Europe

Hitachi Construction Machinery is partnering with Kiesel Technologie Entwicklung (KTEG) to develop electric construction machinery for sale in Europe. Kiesel is one of Hitachi’s European distributors and the agreement will also include developing special application products for the European market. Hitachi Construction Machinery has previously developed electric construction machinery to help lower running costs and environmental impact. Previous electric machines from the company include small-medium si
October 26, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Hitachi has agreed to form a joint venture with German firm KTEG to develop electric machines for the European market
233 Hitachi Construction Machinery is partnering with 7050 Kiesel Technologie Entwicklung (KTEG) to develop electric construction machinery for sale in Europe. Kiesel is one of Hitachi’s European distributors and the agreement will also include developing special application products for the European market.


Hitachi Construction Machinery has previously developed electric construction machinery to help lower running costs and environmental impact. Previous electric machines from the company include small-medium sized electric excavators. So far the firm has supplied over 100 units, with the majority going to Japanese customers.

Hitachi has already supplied large electric hydraulic excavators to many mines, again with the machines powered by cables. In addition Hitachi Construction Machinery has been involved in the development of battery-powered electric excavators, starting with the ZX70B in 2006.

However the firm is looking to capitalise on the potential for electric machines in Europe. One of the important factors is that the European market has some of the strictest regulations in the world regarding global warming prevention and low carbon emissions. This means that there is a particularly strong potential for both electric automobiles and construction machinery. As KTEG has considerable in-house knowledge of electric construction machinery, it is a logical step that Hitachi will partner with the firm to develop models for the European market.

KTEG has already developed large demolition equipment and other special application products based on Hitachi’s hydraulic excavators.

With the establishment of this new company, the electric technology of Hitachi Construction Machinery and technical know-how of KTEG will be brought together to use components from current equipment, and develop electric construction machinery.

The new firm will be called EAC European Application Center and its head office will be located in Stockstadt am Rhein, Hessen, Germany. Hitachi Construction Machinery will hold a 49.9% stake in the business while KTEG will hold 50.1%.

Engines, Components & Tyres

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Dozers and graders provide finishing cut
    November 6, 2012
    Established players face increasing competition in the market for bulldozers and graders - Mike Woof reports The world’s largest manufacturer of construction equipment, Caterpillar is a company with a strong position worldwide and this has all grown from its track type tractor range. Caterpillar has long dominated the bulldozer market, as well as being involved in the grader segment since the inter-war period. The firm’s history ties it directly to the development of the crawler track with Ben Holt’s track
    Read More
  • Shantui diversifying from core dozer line
    October 14, 2013
    Chinese bulldozer firm Shantui is building on its core competency of bulldozers, broadening its range as well as its operations – Mike Woof writes Bulldozer specialist Shantui has a clear policy of broadening its product range, having grown from being a small producer with a limited model line-up to become a major global manufacturer. The company began its diversification process in 1999, buying a road machinery range and then following this up with a line of concrete equipment in 2008. This process cont
    Read More
  • Emergent aggregates market vitality
    March 12, 2014
    New research shows the vital importance of emerging markets to the aggregate production industry, while leading aggregate production equipment manufacturers have brought new cutting-edge models onto the market. Meanwhile, recent equipment purchases are playing a key role in boosting the commercial success of customers in France and Malta. Guy Woodford reports Demand for construction aggregates in the Asia/Pacific and Africa/Middle East regions is fuelling global aggregates sales growth, according to the
    Read More
  • Liebherr achieves record turnover in 2012
    April 10, 2013
    The Liebherr Group achieved its highest turnover in its history in 2012. Turnover climbed over than 9% to €9.1 billion, while the company invested a total of €840 million in its operations. The 2012 business year progressed well for the Liebherr Group. Although the reduced dynamism of the world economy had a noticeable effect on orders received in the final months of the year, this no longer influenced turnover significantly. The Group increased its total turnover in the past business year by more than €760
    Read More

Highlighted Content