Honda Engines, a division of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., has announced the launch of its Honda eGX, an electrified powertrain. According to the company, this is the first battery-powered motor designed for installation in OEM power equipment products for both indoor and outdoor use.
The company announced the launch of the new generator set at World of Concrete 2021, one of the first major construction trade shows to hold a face-to-face event.
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Honda said in its press release announcing the new Honda eGX engine that it is of the same quality as the company's other commercial GX engines and can be swapped out for a Honda GX internal combustion engine on select outdoor power equipment.
The company developed the new unit specifically for OEMs in the heavy-duty machinery industry who want to offer battery-powered options. By taking on the engineering, testing and manufacturing of the unit, Honda is making it easier for OEMs to develop battery-powered devices by providing them with a component that they can easily install without spending several hours developing their own system.
The first applications in the construction industry for the Honda eGX include rammers with the GXE2.0S model and trowels and vibratory plate compactors with the GXE2.0H model. Future applications are expected to include hydraulic power packs and compressors, Honda says, and it is also testing other commercial applications in various market segments.
The main features of the Honda eGX include:
- Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 748 Wh
- Net power of 2.4 hp (1.8 kW) at 3,600 rpm
- 3.5 lb.-ft. (4.8 Nm) at 3,600 rpm
- Forced air cooling
- Three phase square wave regulator
- Voltage of 72V
- Weighs 55.1 pounds. (25 kg) with integration without SW-Box and 48.9 lbs. (22.2 kg) when installed separately with control unit
More about the new Honda eGX from the company's press release
The new Honda eGX was developed not only for original equipment manufacturers, but also for the needs of owners and operators of power units.
The Honda brand and warranty give OEMs the convenience of incorporating the eGX into existing GX100 and GX120 applications and the confidence to offer their customers reliable battery-powered products. The new battery-powered Honda eGX engine is designed to match the rugged, long-lasting performance of the venerable Honda GX100 and Honda GX120 engines with reduced vibration and noise and no need for fuel, oil or AC power. The new engine has a shaft, installation position and footprint comparable to that of the Honda GX100 and Honda GX120 models with a combustion engine. Additionally, the dimensions of the Honda eGX and the Honda GX100 and Honda GX120 are comparable, making the Honda eGX convenient and easy to mount in OEM rammers and vibratory plate compactors (as well as other applications) designed to accept one of the Honda GX engines . In short, the new Honda eGX is an ideal battery-powered option for existing or new applications in the 100 to 120cc displacement class.
Take outdoor power equipment with you
The sealed Honda eGX motor and battery are dust and water resistant, which makes them practical for use in harsh environments. For device owners, the electric motor and the battery offer greater versatility and enable the use of previously exclusively outdoor power equipment inside. Honda's advanced electrified power unit enables longer working hours and eliminates costly routine maintenance and downtime for repairs to internal combustion engine products. The Honda eGX also offers zero emissions and less driver fatigue.
Honda eGX motorcycleAfter all, its quiet, simple operation makes the Honda eGX simple, convenient and comfortable for implement operators. The electric motor is quiet and smooth-running. The user can turn the engine on and off with a simple switch, while color-coded lights indicate on / off status (green), battery level status (orange) and fault status (red). Each battery pack is provided with a simple handle bracket that gives the user quick access to a secure grip when handling and changing batteries to and from the charger.
“The Honda Vision for 2030 involves creating and ensuring the joy of helping people improve their lives. The new Honda eGX is aligned with this vision and represents Honda’s R&D strategy to balance technological innovation, performance and environmental sustainability in Honda products and operations, ”said William Walton, Vice President, Honda Power Equipment. “Today's environment is shifting supply and demand towards zero-emission products. However, reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions is only part of the picture: Battery-powered electricity products must meet the stringent performance standards required by the owners, while at the same time making the devices easier for the operator to operate. With this new, advanced electrified unit, Honda supports OEMs in commercial markets in their efforts to meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards while expanding their portfolio with strategic developments such as the development of battery-powered products; Improvement of service offerings; and expansion, cooperation and partnerships with customers and suppliers. “
More work with less battery power
Honda Power Equipment has a distinct advantage in new product development by drawing on the R&D and technological investments of other products and parts of the company. For example, the new Honda eGX motor is a powerful three-phase brushless DC power pack designed for maximum performance and reliability. Much of the insulation and winding technology used in Honda generators is built into the Honda eGX, creating a highly efficient motor. The added efficiency allows the user to do more work with less battery power.
The motor of the 2 kW class runs at 3,000-3,600 rpm and has internal and external cooling fans for heat dissipation. The integrated motor, power drive unit (PDU) and battery contain rubber mounts that absorb vibrations, resulting in less operator fatigue and longer product life. In the separate version, the motor is suitable for use on tamper products. The motor's PDU contains a silicone gasket and long life capacitor that add resistance to water, dust and vibration for reliability and high performance. The Honda eGX also meets IEC62841-1 compliance.
Thermal stability and available materials
Honda eGX engine and batteryThe new Honda eGX is powered by a lithium-ion battery (Li-Ion). The battery connected in series and in parallel does not emit greenhouse gases and provides power for use indoors, outdoors and indoors, while the quiet motor allows the operator to work for long periods of time, at night or in the vicinity of residential areas. Charged and discharged batteries can be exchanged quickly, and the Honda quick charger (
Because the Honda eGX can withstand a wide range of temperatures, it can be used in virtually all seasons. The motor can be operated optimally at temperatures of -15-40 C (5-104 F) and optimally stored at -5-30 C (23-86 F). The battery can be optimally charged from 5-30 C (41-86 F).
The environment for electrics
Globally, Honda manufactures jets, designs sustainable homes and carbon-free facilities, develops robotics, and uses solar and battery power so the company can apply its global knowledge and skills to the development of engines, motors and energy equipment products. Honda Power Equipment signaled its new product development direction by launching in April 2017. entered the battery-powered lawn and garden product market Miimo, the company's first robotic lawn mower for use in the United States. The Honda eGX is the latest generation of experience for users familiar with the Honda GX engines.
Research from Honda has shown that industry professionals using electrical equipment value product performance, reliability, and the ability to work outdoors more efficiently. The introduction of new technologies in outdoor power equipment makes it adaptable to work indoors and meets these requirements along with less noise, no direct emissions and more convenient and cost-effective operation.
“Tightening air quality regulations and new noise regulations issued by institutions and commercial office building managers and homeowners' associations are driving the development of battery-powered outdoor power products,” said Walton. “The constant improvement in motor, battery and charging technology enables OEMs and contractors to expand their equipment inventory and offer more choices for the most efficient and cost-effective way of working. Ultimately, having more choice will help them serve their customers, improve their profits, and build their business. “