Electric vehicles (EVs) and electric motorcycles are now the norm in Malaysia, aided by various government initiatives to support their use. But there is also a demand for electric machinery for more sustainable construction projects. At CES, Komatsu is showing off a prototype electric bulldozer that can not only operate self-driving but also undersea.
According to Komatsu, each of these electric bulldozers is equipped with a 450 kWh battery that allows it to operate for up to six hours. Recharging time is around 4 hours. At present, each bulldozer can operate up to a depth of 7 meters under water. There are plans to allow it to operate up to a depth of 50 meters. The limit lies in the length of the antenna because GPS systems do not operate under water.
Why is the underwater bulldozer built by Komastu? Because they have been producing bulldozers with dual-purpose capabilities since the 1970s to meet the construction needs of coastal construction projects to reduce the impact of waves, to monitor the depth of rivers and beaches.
This bulldozer will be displayed again at Expo 2025 which will take place in Osaka next April.