Hyundai Construction Equipment (HCE) and Cummins Inc. have jointly developed an electric mini excavator. Powered by Cummins BM4.4E flexible battery modules (4.4 kWh each), the 3.5-ton excavator is designed to operate for a full eight-hour shift and charge in under three hours.

The excavator contains eight BM4.4E modules connected together in a series string to provide a total energy of 35 kWh. Mounted in the base of the excavator, the Cummins-designed and built battery modules utilize Li-ion technology to achieve a higher energy density and proprietary control technology to maintain the battery state-of-charge for a longer zero emission range.

The modular design allows the system to be built up and aligned to the duty cycle of the excavator. The machine eliminates all gaseous emissions and substantially reduces noise, making it suited for use in urban and sub-urban construction.

The prototype machine will be used for testing to optimize the performance, prove the structural integrity and enhance the marketability.