Honda Electric Power Expands into OEM Power Equipment
At this year’s World of Concrete Event in Las Vegas, Honda launched its first battery-powered motor. The Honda eGX 72V brushless electric motor is designed to be incorporated into OEM power equipment products for both indoor and outdoor use. The company now offers a complete line of general-purpose engines for industrial, commercial, rental industry, and consumer applications.
The Honda eGX is Compatible with Honda GX Engines
Honda specifically gave the eGX brushless motor the same cubic footprint as their Honda GX engine. They also made sure the driveshaft position lined up. Since the Honda eGX has the same drive shaft position as the Honda GX engine, manufacturers can swap them out without any serious modification to convert gas-powered equipment into a battery-powered equivalent.
What’s the Big Deal?
Because Honda designed the eGX brushless electric motor as an OEM product, other manufacturers can have easy entry into the battery-powered market without investing the funding and engineering required to develop and design their own motors.
Initially, the Honda eGX motor has found some use in construction equipment, such as rammers, power trowels, and vibratory plate compactors. Future applications will include hydraulic power units and compressors. Honda has also started testing in a number of other commercial applications.
Two Versions of the Honda eGX Brushless Motor
Honda also tells us that, while they have designed the motor for OEM applications, they’ve also designed the eGX to meet the needs of power equipment owners and equipment operators. The eGX will fit into any existing GX100 and GX120 applications, offering reliable battery power that is comparable to the power output of the gas-powered counterparts. However, in this case, you get reduced vibration and noise. And, as you’d expect, no muss or fuss with fuel, oil, or AC power.
Honda makes two versions of the eGX, including a single speed model and a 3-speed model. Both use the same 72V lithium-ion battery and 2kW class brushless motor. The single-speed Honda GXE 2.0H runs at 3600 RPM and features an integrated-type motor.
The GXE 2.0S features a separate-type 2kW brushless motor and supports three speeds at 300, 3300, and 3600 RPM.
Honda designed the 3-phase brushless motor for maximum performance. They’ve borrowed some of the R&D that’s made their generator line such a success, tying in the effective insulation and coiling technology that increases efficiency. It runs between 3,000 and 3,600 RPM and features both internal and external fans to dissipate heat. The motor’s power drive unit incorporates a silicone seal and condenser to resist dust, water, and vibration.
Honda eGX 2.0H vs 2.0S vs GX100
| GXE 2.0H | GXE 2.0S | GX100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 72V Lithium-ion 10Ah (748Wh) | 72V Lithium-ion 10Ah (748Wh) | NA (gas) |
| Motor | 2kW Class Brushless Integrated | 2kW Class Brushless Separated | Air-cooled 4-stroke OHC |
| Speed | 3600 RPM | 3000/3300/3600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine equivalent | 100–120cc (2.4HP) | 100–120cc (2.4HP) | 100cc (2.8HP) |
| Torque (net) | 3.5 ft-lbs (3.6kRPM) | 3.5 ft-lbs (3.6kRPM) | 4.8 ft-lbs (3.6kRPM) |
Both the Honda eGX Brushless Motor and 72V 10Ah battery pack are sealed. This protects all of the internal components from dust and water. The electric motor gives you the opportunity for expanded work hours while minimizing the downtime and servicing needs that come with gas engines. Because of the reduced noise and lack of emissions, the eGX can transition easily to indoor use.
Honda designed the eGX electric motor and batteries for extended operation. The batteries swap out quickly, and the Honda quick charger can get a depleted battery back to 80% in 55 minutes. We did note that the recommended charging temperatures fell into a more indoor-friendly 41 to 86 degrees F (5 to 30 degrees C).
Honda eGX Fun Facts
- Designed to be incorporated into commercial OEM power equipment products for indoor and outdoor use.
- Provides quiet operation, reduced vibration, and quick charging for maximum operating time. A high-power, 3-phase brushless DC motor increases performance and reliability.
- The sealed motor and battery pack are dust and water-resistant, making the unit practical for use in harsh, heavy-duty environments.
- The Honda eGX serves to reduce the carbon footprint, dovetailing with the Honda Vision for 2030.
- The motor has a three-year commercial warranty; the lithium-ion battery pack comes with a two-year commercial warranty.
- Available to OEMs in late summer 2021.
Honda on the 72V eGX Brushless Motor
Today’s environment is shifting supply and demand toward zero-emission products. But reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions is only part of the picture: battery-powered power products must meet rugged performance standards required by owners while making the equipment easier for operators to use. With this new, advanced electrified power unit, Honda is supporting OEMs in commercial markets in their efforts to meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards while expanding their portfolios with strategic developments such as developing more battery-powered products, enhancing service offerings, [and] collaboration and partnerships with customers and suppliers.
William Walton, Vice President, Honda Power Equipment
Honda eGX 72V Brushless Motor Specs
- Type: Brushless DC motor
- Cooling System: Forced air
- Rotating Direction: Counterclockwise from PTO shaft side
- Net Power Output: 2.4 HP @ 3,600 rpm
- Net Torque: 3.5 ft-lbs. (4.8 n٠m) @ 3,600 rpm
- Motor RPM: 3,600 (integrated), 3000/3300/3600 (separated: user adjusted)
- Controller Type: Three-phase square wave
- Controller Maximum Output: 80A
- Control System: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation)
- Brake Type: Regenerative
- Voltage: 72V
- Operating Temperature: 5º to 104º F (-15º to 40º C)
- Weight: 55.1 lbs. (integrated w/o SW Box), 48.9 lbs. (separated + control unit)
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
- Battery Weight: 14.1 lbs.
- Dimensions: 9.2 x 10.6 x 5.9 in.
- Max Battery Capacity: 748Wh
- Charging Temperature: 41º to 86º F (5º to 30º C)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Available to OEMs beginning in Summer of 2021
