Caterpillar introduces 4 new electric machines

In an expansion of its offerings to the construction industry, Irving, Texas-based Caterpillar is unveiling four prototypes of electric machines, powered by lithium-ion batteries. 

The company says it is focused on delivering purpose-built solutions to help customers achieve their sustainability goals by geography, jobsite and specific customer need, and has developed the electric 301.9 mini excavator, 320 medium excavator, 950 GC medium wheel loader and 906 compact wheel loader, to meet that purpose. 

The machines are powered by Caterpillar battery prototypes and include an onboard AC charger. An offboard DC fast-charging option also is planned, according to the company.  

Caterpillar says the machines’ lithium-ion batteries feature a modular design for flexible configuration across multiple applications and are engineered to be scalable to industry and customer needs while maximizing sustainability throughout their life cycles, including end-of-life recycling and reuse. 

“Caterpillar is well-positioned to help customers reach their sustainability goals, including lowering emissions on the job site,” Construction Industries Group President Tony Fassino says. “It’s important we meet customers on their sustainability journey today with a variety of solutions, including machines that run on renewable fuels or technology that increases fuel efficiency, as well as supporting them into the future as we power our next generation of machines.” 

The company says it expects the 301.9 mini excavator and 906 compact wheel loader to be the first commercially available models. All four prototypes, as well as their batteries, will be on display at Bauma 2022, a construction and mining machinery trade fair that will run from Oct. 24-30 in Munich.