Hitachi unveils zero emission EV-Lab for green construction

27 Dec 2023 CW Team

Hitachi Construction Machinery is set to inaugurate the Zero Emission EV-Lab, a collaborative research facility dedicated to attaining zero emissions at construction sites, located in Ichikawa, Japan, slated to open its doors in May 2024.

The lab will showcase a range of Hitachi-manufactured battery-powered excavators, including 2-ton, 5-ton, 8-ton, and 13-ton models, alongside other related construction equipment. Additionally, the facility will feature mobile energy storage systems developed in partnership with Isuzu Motors, Itochu Corporation, and Kyushu Electric Power Co. Hitachi has previously entered agreements with Kyushu for mobile energy storage solutions in the Japanese market and with Itochu and Alfen BV for the sale and rental of mobile energy storage systems in Europe.

Designed with demonstration areas mimicking operational sites for electrically powered construction machinery, the lab will provide a communication space where visitors can exchange opinions and ideas. Hitachi envisions the facility as a platform for customers and partners worldwide to collaboratively explore the challenges and possibilities of achieving zero emissions in construction.

Hitachi acknowledges that the realisation of zero-emission construction sites necessitates the introduction of charging infrastructure and other essential developments. The company aims to expedite collaborative initiatives with partners at the Zero Emissions EV-Lab to achieve comprehensive zero emissions across all construction site operations.

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..