An electric atmosphere
The largest-ever Hitachi battery-powered machine line-up was at Bauma this year as the construction industry switches on to the power of electric.
A third of HCME’s display at Bauma 2025 was made up of a variety of electric models – nine excavators in total, ranging from 1.7 to 25 tonnes. The strong focus on battery-powered machines highlighted the ongoing commitment of Hitachi to provide solutions for zero-emission job sites. It also illuminated its successful collaboration with industry-leading partners, including KTEG and Dimaag AI.
“Our zero-emission solutions are in line with the HCM vision to contribute towards creating a safe and sustainable society,” says HCME President Francesco Quaranta. “In addition, we recognise the challenges in the industry to comply with requirements for zero-emission job sites, and we embrace these as an opportunity to collaborate and develop innovative solutions for our customers.”
"We recognise the challenges in the industry to comply with requirements for zero-emission job sites, and we embrace these as an opportunity." HCME President Francesco Quaranta
Three models, from 1.7 to 15 tonnes, were manufactured by Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd (HCM), and the other six machines are developed by KTEG, a joint venture with Kiesel Technology Entwicklung GmbH, based in Germany.
Making its international debut was the ZX17U-EB with a swappable battery and charger, developed in partnership with Dimaag AI. The ZX55U-6EB and ZX135-7EB were also displayed, alongside an Alfen NV 422kWh energy storage system and charging unit, developed in collaboration with Itochu Corporation and HCM.
Among the KTEG solutions that appeared on the HCME stand were several firsts for the joint venture: the ZE150W electric wheeled excavator; the ZE300 hydrogen-powered medium excavator; the ZE225 electric medium excavator equipped with a two-piece boom; and the ZE17 cable-powered mini excavator.
A fully autonomous 15-tonne electric excavator, based on the ZE135, drew the crowds at the dedicated demo area. Completing the impressive line-up was the ZX85-6EB, which is equipped with a new battery pack offering increased capacity.
