Yanmar Launches New Electrification Unit to Drive Zero-Emission Solutions for Compact Off-Highway Machinery

Yanmar is set to officially launch a new organization dedicated to advancing electrification in the compact off-highway segment. This new Electrification Unit, which will commence operations in April 2025, will focus on delivering a diverse portfolio of e-powertrain solutions, including batteries and eDrives.

As a component manufacturer, supplier, and integrator, the new unit will work closely with Yanmar’s long-standing customers to electrify applications such as excavators, wheel loaders, and other industrial machinery. The new Electrification Unit will concentrate on three primary product areas: Yanmar-branded industrial machinery, machinery for OEMs, and components and e-powertrains for industrial machinery. By advancing these key sectors, the unit aims to drive innovation and reinforce Yanmar’s leadership in the transition to zero-emission solutions.

“This initiative is a major milestone in Yanmar’s commitment to realizing our brand statement, “A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.” 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.” said Tetsuya Yamamoto, Chief Operating Officer, 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.”

A Strategic Move Towards Sustainable Innovation

In recent years, Yanmar has heavily invested in research and development to establish itself as a leader in zero-emission technologies. This includes strategic acquisitions, such as the 2022 acquisition of Eleo Technologies, which has strengthened Yanmar’s battery capabilities.

The Electrification Unit will operate with strategic autonomy, allowing for agile decision-making and innovation in the fields of electric machinery, e-powertrains, and battery systems. Operating on a global scale, the unit will utilize an international network of teams and resources to ensure worldwide reach and localized expertise.

By drawing on the Yanmar Group’s extensive resources, including its technical expertise, service & support network, and deep understanding of application requirements, the new entity aims to develop solutions that directly address the industry’s electrification challenges.

The establishment of the Electrification Unit aligns with Yanmar’s broader Green Challenge 2050 initiative, reinforcing the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. In addition to electrification, Yanmar is actively exploring hydrogen and alternative non-carbon fuels, and resource recycling solutions to drive further advancements in environmental responsibility and carbon reduction.

Leadership & Integration

To spearhead this transformative initiative, Marko Dekena has been appointed to lead the Electrification Unit. With a long and distinguished career in electric and alternative energy powertrains within the automobile industry, Dekena brings deep technical expertise and strategic vision to Yanmar’s push toward electrification. His extensive experience in developing, integrating, and scaling sustainable powertrain solutions makes him uniquely qualified to lead this new division. “By leveraging Yanmar’s deep understanding of our customers’ needs, we are dedicated to delivering technologies that will accelerate the transition toward zero emissions,” said Marko Dekena. The new unit will draw upon Yanmar’s existing e-powertrain initiatives, such as Eleo Technologies’ battery activities, which will be integrated into the new Electrification Unit while continuing to operate on their current locations.

With this new organization, Yanmar is reinforcing its role as an industry leader in sustainable, zero-emission solutions. The Electrification Unit will not only support the ongoing transformation of the compact off-highway segment but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Yanmar Unveils “YANMAR PRODUCT VISION” for Future Product Platform

Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd. has introduced the YANMAR PRODUCT VISION (YPV), outlining the future of its next-generation design. Rooted in the philosophy of “Intrinsic Design,” which focuses on the core functional value and purpose of products, YPV presents Yanmar’s design goals for the future. The company plans to combine the design elements developed through YPV with its established design expertise to create a platform that will be implemented across its product range, including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, boats, and services.

Yanmar HD has been working to cultivate its brand image through designs that resonate with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and the general public, under the concept of “inclusive branding.” This effort has been achieved through co-creation with internal and external partners.

The new initiative, based on the concept of Intrinsic Design, aims to platformize the design elements included in YPV. This approach will not only standardize components and designs but also enhance intuitive operability and comfort with new interfaces designed for future tasks. Additionally, it will contribute to increased development efficiency and cost reductions.

These concepts will be applied to each product within Yanmar’s core business areas of land, sea, and city to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.

About YANMAR PRODUCT VISION (YPV)

YPV represents Yanmar’s vision for the future, setting out the ideal direction for its business domains in 2035. Rooted in the philosophy of Intrinsic Design, which prioritizes functional value over form, Yanmar describes its design approach as “Gentleness and Toughness,” reflecting its tradition of producing machines that are both user-friendly and durable in demanding environments. By standardizing elements like new design aesthetics, cabin structures, and Human-Machine Interfaces as defined through YPV, Yanmar aims to streamline product development while enhancing functionality from a customer-centric perspective.

YPV in the Land Domain

One example of platformization is a redesign of the cabin structure to standardize components between agricultural and construction machinery. The life-sized concept agricultural machine YPV-L (Land), unveiled at the YANMAR DESIGN EXHIBITION held at YANMAR TOKYO from November 8 to 15, 2024, features a large monitor in the cockpit that functions as a command center, controlling other autonomous machines. The cabinless version, designed with full automation in mind, allows for customization based on work location and operator needs.

Unified cabin design and expansion to other business areas (YPV-C)

YPV in the City Domain

YPV-C focuses on the electrification of construction equipment to meet the anticipated increase in indoor work and renovation projects. The concept uses wheels (tires) instead of crawlers to enable swift movement to disaster sites. To address battery life and charging challenges, an autonomous battery vehicle will supply power when needed.

Image of a self-propelled battery vehicle automatically supplying power to electric construction equipment.

YPV in the Sea Domain

YPV-S (Sea) introduces a foiling sailboat that proposes a new marine lifestyle. Drawing on Yanmar’s extensive marine technology and expertise, the design leverages natural forces through foiling, which lifts the boat above the water, and sailing, maximizing the use of wind power to shape both propulsion and onboard experience.

Concept foiling sailboat YPV-S (Sea)

HIMOINSA Launches Yanmar-powered HGY Series Generators for Critical Power Supply

HIMOINSA, part of the Yanmar Group, has launched the HGY Series, a new power solution poised to become a leader in power generation for mission-critical projects.

Developed collaboratively by HIMOINSA and Yanmar Power Technology (YPT), the HGY Series combines HIMOINSA’s expertise in power generation with YPT’s advanced engine technology.

HIMOINSA is a manufacturer of power technology solutions that designs and produces generator sets, battery storage systems, lighting towers, automatic transfer switches, monitoring controls and accessories, for backup and continuous power supply.

The launch event for the new HGY Series generators launch event took place in Madrid, Spain, where around 400 customers and partners enjoyed a breathtaking show in the Metropolitano Stadium.

The HGY Series is powered by Yanmar engines, ranging from 1250kVA to 3500kVA (future plans up to 4000kVA). This includes the GY175L engine family, featuring multiple models with 12 and 16 cylinders and future engine developments with 20 cylinders, all of which are electronically controlled.

In terms of sustainability, the HGY Series is configured to support the future adoption of alternative fuels such as HVO, gas and hydrogen. This is a significant step towards environmental responsibility and will help support end-users in their strategy to attain Net Zero.

The HGY generators are equipped with exhaust after-treatment systems to meet European, German, and British regulations for mid-combustion plants operating more than 300 or 500 hours. The new series includes an EPA Tier 2 certified version for emergency applications in the United States and complies with NEA regulations in Singapore.

Designed to reduce emissions, HIMOINSA will provide the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to provide comprehensive information on the product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This helps customers make more sustainable purchasing decisions and implement low-carbon strategies.

“The new HGY marks the start of a new chapter in the story of critical power generation,” said Francisco Gracia, President and CEO of HIMOINSA. “Design and engineering teams from both HIMOINSA and Yanmar have worked closely with our dealers and customers to develop an innovative solution that addresses the clear demand for energy-efficient, low-emission, and comprehensive power solutions,” Gracia emphasized that the launch of the HGY series is a significant step forward in reinforcing HIMOINSA’s growth in the global market.

This new development has generated a significant increase in the industrial capacity for both companies with the launch of a new production line for the Yanmar GY engine at the Amagasaki factory in Japan and the establishment of a new HIMOINSA production center in Spain. This new facility for Power Solutions has an area of 17,000m2 and a production capacity of 1,000 units of generators annually.

The HGY Series includes generators with varying power outputs for different applications, including emergency (ESP), continuous (PRP), data center power (DCP), COP, and LTP. This ensures the best solution for healthcare, data centers, capacity markets and other mission-critical sectors.

GY Yanmar Engine: Quality and Reliability
Yanmar has over 100 years of experience in developing reliable, fuel-efficient engine technology for power generation, marine and construction equipment industries. The GY engine family is proven technology based on Yanmar’s renowned marine engines, known globally for their reliability.

“Customers in the critical power segment can have faith in our engine technology and trust it to deliver. We have worked very closely with the HIMOINSA engineering team, utilizing their expertise in the power generation market to create an engine solution that will perfectly match the needs of critical power customers”, explained Masaru Hirose, Director, General Manager of Large Power Products Business at Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd.

The GY is a new family of high-speed engines with a common rail injection system. It combines the unique combustion technology for high-speed engines with the reliability of medium-speed engines, ensuring high performance and efficiency. This technology supports operation in extreme conditions, compact footprint, multiple fuel capabilities and low emissions.

  • Common-rail Fuel Injection Systems and High-Pressure Pump: Generates up to 2,200-bar injection pressure for maximum efficiency, optimizing the combustion pressure curve through multiple injections.
  • High Power Density: The HGY Series delivers exceptional performance in terms of emissions and power density (up to 37.9kWm/L). The high specific power density reduces footprint and impacts the total life cycle carbon footprint.
  • Single Cylinder Prototype: The design of the piston head and the fluid analysis is key for engine efficiency and performance. Yanmar has invested thousands of engineering hours in this development stage.
  • Fast Response: In power generation applications where rapid response is crucial, fuel injection plays an important role. The electronic control unit (ECU) can swiftly react to sudden changes in speed within milliseconds. Additionally, the engine can commence operation in less than8 seconds and meets the performance standards of the ISO8528-5 G3 class conditions.
  • Intuitive Engine Control Unit (ECU): The ECU includes several physical parameters for optimal control of the injection system. The control system includes integrated, intuitive, operable diagnostic software, allowing remote monitoring of the engine and generator.

Fuel Consumption | Best-in-class efficiency
Efficiency is a primary objective for HIMOINSA and Yanmar, and the HGY generators have been designed to ensure optimal fuel consumption. This is achieved through a new common rail highpressure fuel injection system, advanced piston design, and high-power density. This focus on efficiency translates to cost savings, reduced emissions and extended autonomy, making the HGY Series one of the most efficient and competitive products on the market.

Serviceability and Extended Service Intervals
Easy maintenance and accessibility have been integral to the new product development. All engine consumable parts, such as fuel and air filters and the oil filling point, are conveniently located on one side.

Most parts are compatible across various engine versions and models. This design ensures customers need less spare parts stock, as common components such as fuel filters, fuel pumps, and injectors can be shared. This sophisticated, modular design means more efficient servicing, reduced spare parts inventory, and streamlined technician training.

The HGY Series offers extended service intervals and features a top overhaul interval of 10,000 hours and a major overhaul interval of up to 30,000 hours for continuous operation. HIMOINSA provides a generator management platform for remote monitoring, control, and maintenance of power generators. This comprehensive solution provides real-time tracking of critical parameters, automatic alerts for faults or anomalies, and tools for proactive maintenance planning, all aimed at maximizing operational efficiency and minimizing downtime.

Additionally, the platform features advanced reporting and data analysis capabilities, empowering informed decision-making and ensuring optimal performance of generators across any location. Customers will benefit significantly from this platform by accessing all data via an API.

Yanmar Unveils Concept Model e-X1 for Zero Emission Agriculture

Yanmar Agribusiness Co., Ltd. (Yanmar AG), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has revealed its e-X1 concept, an electric drive compact electric agricultural machine designed to achieve zero emissions in agriculture.

Within the Yanmar Group, the YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050 initiative is driving efforts toward realizing a sustainable society. Electric agricultural machines not only offer environmental performance but also the superior quietness and environmental friendliness of electric motors, promising improved working conditions for nighttime, suburban farming, and operations within greenhouses. Yanmar AG has unveiled a prototype of a small electric agricultural machine at a stakeholder event, with a view to commencing market monitoring by 2025.

The machine can accommodate various implements such as rotary tillers and grass cutters at the front and rear, enabling tasks like weeding, snow removal, and cultivating. Opting for crawlers instead of wheels ensures stable operation on slopes and uneven terrain. With no driver’s seat, the machine guarantees operator safety during agricultural tasks through remote control. The incorporation of autonomous driving features is also under consideration.

Yanmar AG plans to initiate market monitoring in 2025 and actively progress toward mass-production through rigorous design and testing, with the goal of contributing to the decarbonization of the agricultural sector.

Compact electric concept e-X1

Model name e-X1
Powertrain Battery electric
Proposed operations Tilling, mowing, ridging, snow removal etc.
Release date Market monitoring is scheduled to start in 2025

 

Concept model of the e-X1 compact electric agricultural machine.