Three-way collaboration signals a new era in construction tech
In a bold industry move, ProLogium Technology, Kyushu Electric Power, and Nakayama Iron Works announced a joint venture to bring a next-generation solid-state battery module to construction machinery. The collaboration aims to unlock true zero-emission operation for heavy equipment, addressing long-standing green-tech challenges such as energy density, safety, and lifecycle costs. The technologies will be showcased at CES 2026, underscoring the event’s role as a proving ground for transformative industrial solutions.
Solid-state battery module: a game-changing propulsion for heavy machinery
The centerpiece of the alliance is a compact, high-energy-density solid-state battery module designed to power construction cranes, loaders, and excavators. By replacing conventional lithium-ion chemistry with a ceramics-based electrolyte, the module promises improved safety, faster charging, and longer service life in demanding worksite conditions. Industry observers see this as a critical stepping stone toward practical electrification of large, high-use machines that have traditionally depended on diesel power.
Technical pillars driving the initiative
Key advantages highlighted by the partners include:
- Enhanced safety: Solid-state electrolytes reduce the risk of thermal runaway compared with liquid-electrolyte systems, a frequent concern in on-site heavy equipment.
- Higher energy density: The solid-state design enables longer runtimes between charges, increasing machine uptime on busy construction sites.
- Rapid lifecycle testing: The consortium will pursue accelerated aging tests to ensure reliability under vibration, dust, and temperature swings common to outdoor projects.
A tri-party approach to deployment and scaling
ProLogium brings its expertise in lithium ceramic battery technology, aiming to deliver stable performance across varied weather conditions and charging regimes. Kyushu Electric Power contributes power-management know-how and grid-connection strategies to support rapid charging on site, while Nakayama Iron Works provides machining and system integration capabilities to adapt the battery module for a wide range of heavy equipment. This combined know-how is designed to shorten development cycles and reduce total cost of ownership for utilities, contractors, and equipment manufacturers.
What CES 2026 signals for the market
CES has become a focal point for cross-industry demonstrations that blend energy storage, mobility, and industrial automation. The joint announcement signals a push toward practical, on-site electrification of construction fleets rather than isolated technology demonstrations. If the prototype progresses through pilot deployments, construction customers could see improved fleet utilization, lower emissions, and quieter operations on urban job sites.
What to watch next
Industry players will be watching how the battery module integrates with existing machine architectures, charging infrastructure, and safety certifications. The CES 2026 reveal is expected to include live demonstrations of a heavy-duty machine powered by the solid-state module, along with details on charging times, cycle life, and expected cost trajectories. Policymakers and clients increasingly favor suppliers that can demonstrate end-to-end green solutions, including waste reduction and safe decommissioning of batteries at end of life.
Overall, the collaboration among ProLogium, Kyushu Electric Power, and Nakayama Iron Works appears positioned to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission construction machinery, turning a forward-looking technology into a practical option for today’s job sites.
