Yanmar initiative focuses on electric power

Japanese company Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd., which has American operations based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is launching a new organization dedicated to advancing electrification in its compact off-highway equipment line.

Yanmar's Electrification Unit will start operations next month and will focus on delivering a "diverse portfolio" of e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and electric drives.

“The development of e-powertrains is crucial for adapting the expertise we have built with diesel engines to a broader range of applications beyond just construction and agricultural machinery, and it represents an important step towards achieving carbon neutrality.” says Tetsuya Yamamoto, chief operating officer of Yanmar Holdings.

“As we face the challenges of climate change and strive for a sustainable society, it is essential to accelerate the development and adoption of electric powertrains that not only enhance product performance but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future."

Yanmar says its new business unit will work closely with its long-standing customers to electrify applications such as excavators and wheel loaders.

In recent years, the company has invested in research and development in low-emissions technologies, citing its 2022 acquisition of Netherlands-based battery development company Eleo Technologies.

The Electrification Unit will operate on a global scale, with Yanmar saying the business unit will draw upon an international network of teams and resources so it have worldwide reach while tapping into localized expertise.

The establishment of the Electrification Unit aligns with Yanmar’s broader Green Challenge 2050 initiative, the firm says, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future tied to electrification, alternative noncarbon fuels and resource recycling solutions.

Yanmar has appointed Marko Dekena to lead the Electrification Unit, saying he has a long and distinguished career in electric and alternative energy powertrains within the automobile industry.

“By leveraging Yanmar’s deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are dedicated to delivering technologies that will accelerate the transition toward zero emissions,” Dekena says.