Hitachi unveils zero emission EV-Lab for green construction

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.