Hyundai reveals compact electric excavator prototype

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas (HCEA) demonstrated a working prototype of its electric-powered compact excavator at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2020 in Las Vegas. The R18E would be Hyundai's first electrically powered compact excavator to be introduced to the market. The R18E uses a Li-ion (lithium iron phosphate type) battery, generating a power capacity of 19.6 hp (14.6 kW). Its battery charger is rated at 3 kW, with a free-voltage range of 100-230 V AC.

Designed and engineered in-house in Korea, Hyundai debuted the prototype at a media event at its ConExpo indoor booth. Electrically-powered compact excavators offer a variety of benefits, including no carbon emissions and quiet operations, noted Tito Sosa, HCEA senior product specialist. “One key feature about this electric type of machine is the quietness, of course,” Sosa said during the demonstration. The R18E operates at 70.1 dB.