A New Era for Construction Machinery
The collaboration between ProLogium Technology, Kyushu Electric Power, and Nakayama Iron Works signals a turning point for the construction industry. At CES 2026, the trio unveiled a first-of-its-kind construction machinery lineup powered by advanced solid-state battery modules. This alliance aims to redefine performance, safety, and sustainability for heavy equipment used on job sites around the world.
Solid-state batteries have long promised higher energy density, faster charging, and improved thermal stability compared with conventional lithium-ion cells. By integrating these modules into construction equipment, the partners intend to deliver machines that produce zero tailpipe emissions, reduce noise, and lower total cost of ownership through longer service intervals and fewer maintenance disruptions.
Strategic Alliance to Push Zero-Emission Innovation
ProLogium, known for its lithium ceramic solid-state batteries, brings its expertise in safe, scalable chemistry. Kyushu Electric Power contributes deep know-how in energy infrastructure, charging systems, and grid integration. Nakayama Iron Works, a veteran in heavy machinery fabrication, provides the engineering rigor and manufacturing capability to translate battery technology into rugged, field-ready equipment.
The collaboration centers on a modular, scalable battery system designed for construction machinery such as excavators, loaders, and cranes. By standardizing the battery module interface, the partners aim to simplify maintenance, enable rapid field swaps, and accelerate deployment across diverse work environments—from urban construction sites to rugged rural projects.
What to Expect from the CES 2026 Demonstration
Attendees at CES 2026 will see a range of zero-emission machines powered by the new solid-state battery modules. The demonstrations are expected to highlight:
- Extended operation hours with rapid charging cycles, reducing downtime on critical projects.
- Significant reductions in heat generation, contributing to safer on-site conditions in hot environments.
- Enhanced energy efficiency and smoother power delivery during peak lifting and digging activities.
- Robust safety features enabled by solid-state chemistry, including improved thermal management and fault tolerance.
Impact on Industry Economics and Sustainability
Beyond environmental benefits, the new solid-state battery solutions are expected to lower lifecycle costs for construction fleets. Fewer oil changes, less fuel burn, and longer intervals between component replacements can translate into tangible savings for contractors and operators. In addition to emissions reductions, quieter operation supports greener urban construction practices and better compliance with noise regulations in densely populated areas.
Energy infrastructure collaboration with Kyushu Electric Power also explores optimized charging strategies and grid-friendly vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities. This approach can help construction sites manage energy demand more effectively, potentially deferring investments in new on-site generation or storage.
Global Implications and Future Prospects
The CES 2026 launch marks a milestone in the broader shift toward electrification in the construction sector. A successful rollout of solid-state powered machinery could spur rapid adoption by contractors seeking lower emissions and regulatory compliance across markets. While the partners will continue refining battery performance for harsh job-site conditions, the collaboration underscores a common industry trajectory: safer, cleaner, and more efficient heavy equipment enabled by breakthrough energy storage technology.
As the field trials advance, stakeholders from engineering, finance, and public policy will be watching closely to understand the scalability, safety assurances, and maintenance models that accompany this bold step toward zero-emission construction.
