Hybrid-Electric Forwarder (HEV) Concept Prototype Unveiled for the First Time

Komatsu Forest aims to reduce the net carbon emissions from its forestry equipment.

In 2023, Komatsu Forest announced an initiative to establish a brand-new development department focused on the electrification of forestry machines. The initiative aligns fully with the company’s goals, where sustainability is a core principle throughout the entire operation.

Komatsu Forest have a carbon-neutral production facility and are working with the same determination to reduce CO2 emissions from the use of their forestry machines. The goal is to develop efficient products that are fundamentally designed to minimize environmental impact and reduce CO2 emissions, with electrification playing a key role.

Opening the door to electrification in forestry is a groundbreaking technological step for Komatsu Forest—but it also presents major challenges. Since the machines operate off-grid, outside the existing power network, many factors must be considered when developing new machine solutions. To enable the use of various energy sources, different energy distribution solutions are needed at the forest worksite. Success in this transition will require collaboration, partnerships, and the development of new technologies and system solutions.

Komatsu Forest have now developed a concept prototype. The concept prototype is a forwarder with hybrid-electric technology. Hybridization is a first step in electrification, where the existing renewable HVO100 fuel distribution can be used just like in conventional machines. The machine features a smaller but efficient engine connected to a generator. It is equipped with a battery pack that balances the engine load and improves the coordination of the machine’s functions. Many of the machine’s subsystems are fully electric, making it energy-efficient.

The goal of the machine is to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without compromising productivity, while also achieving improved performance and drivability. The concept prototype will now undergo testing and evaluation before the next step can be taken. Source

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