Hitachi unveils 13-ton battery-electric excavator for 24/7 use

The ZX135-7EB is Hitachi's largest battery-powered excavator with dual-mode operation.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Japanese construction equipment manufacturer Hitachi has unveiled its largest battery-electric excavator, the ZX135-7EB, which can operate 24/7 using either battery power or a wired grid-assist mode. The 13-ton excavator is designed to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly construction equipment with zero emissions and reduced noise in urban and residential environments.

Why it matters

The launch of the ZX135-7EB is an important step in the construction industry's shift towards sustainability, as companies like Hitachi work to minimize carbon footprint and reduce emissions from heavy machinery. The dual-mode design offers flexibility and efficiency, allowing the excavator to operate productively while also being environmentally friendly.

The details

The ZX135-7EB uses a 198 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and can also operate in a wired grid-assist mode, connected to a 400V AC three-phase power supply. This allows the excavator to deliver comparable performance to a diesel-powered model while incurring lower maintenance costs and extending working hours. The vehicle's electric drive system can be monitored remotely, and it includes safety features like an Aerial Angle camera system for a 270-degree bird's-eye view of the working area.

  • Hitachi announced the addition of the ZX135-7EB to their product lineup via a press release last week.
  • The new machine will be on display at CONEXPO, to be held in Las Vegas in March 2026.

The players

Hitachi Construction Machinery NV (HCME)

A Japanese construction equipment manufacturer that has unveiled the ZX135-7EB, its largest battery-electric excavator with dual-mode operation.

Norihiko Kinugawa

The Product Manager at HCME who stated that the ZX135-7EB combines robust build quality with a charging system designed to support daily operation.

Itochu Corp

A Japanese trading company that recently announced it would increase its stake in HCME from 20.4% to 33.4% to support expansion in key markets, such as North America.

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What they’re saying

“Our largest battery-powered excavator is capable of working productively and efficiently on urban and residential construction projects. The ZX135-7EB combines robust build quality with a charging system designed to support daily operation.”

— Norihiko Kinugawa, Product Manager at HCME (interestingengineering.com)

“We continue to respond to growing demand for zero-emission equipment while addressing customer requirements for safety, productivity, and reduced life-cycle costs.”

— Norihiko Kinugawa, Product Manager at HCME (interestingengineering.com)

What’s next

The ZX135-7EB will be on display at CONEXPO, the large construction equipment trade show, in Las Vegas in March 2026.

The takeaway

Hitachi's launch of the ZX135-7EB, its largest battery-electric excavator, is a significant step forward in the construction industry's shift towards more sustainable and eco-friendly equipment. The dual-mode design offers flexibility and efficiency, allowing the excavator to operate productively while also reducing emissions and noise in urban and residential environments.