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Meet the world's first ultra-large electric truck, with a capacity of 221 and 14 meters in length, operating continuously in Zambia
Hitachi reported that the “world’s first all-electric ultra-large dump truck” is being used at an open-pit copper and gold mine in Zambia. The prototype will undergo validation testing under operational loads to verify the vehicle's basic performance and supporting infrastructure.
A dirty business in the process of being cleaned up
Mining is an industry that generates a lot of pollution, but we have seen several efforts to clean up its operations, at least in terms of heavy machinery. Previous attempts to reduce emissions during mining operations have come from companies such as GM, Fortescue, Caterpillar and Anglo American.
Hitachi Construction Machinery began its project in 2021, teaming up with tech giant ABB “to explore opportunities for mine operators to target net-zero emissions from mining machines.” Development of an electric dump truck began in June of that year.
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For 2023, First Quantum Minerals has joined the collaboration, agreeing to conduct feasibility trials for the truck at its Kansanshi copper and gold mine in Zambia, where several Hitachi trolley trucks already operate.
Innovation in Mining: Diesel-Electric and Electric Trucks
These diesel-electric vehicles move around the site using the internal combustion engine for power like a normal truck, but they can also lift a pantograph onto overhead cables and run on electricity alone. A battery-electric rigid version would completely eliminate diesel emissions, which is particularly attractive for mining in Zambia as approximately 92% of the country's energy needs are met with renewable energy.
Fast forward to January of this year, initial testing of the prototype has been completed. The collaboration used a Hitachi EH4000 AC-3 model as the basis for the electric trolley prototype, which measures 14 meters long, has 74 centimeter tires, is powered by a 2.500 horsepower Cummins engine and has a rated load capacity. of 221 tons.
Tests and future expectations
Now, the fully equipped prototype has arrived in Zambia and has begun technological feasibility testing at the Kansanshi mine. The truck is expected to be capable of continuous operation thanks to the existing network of overhead charging lines combined with the prototype's regenerative braking system.
Although no capacity figures were revealed, due to the dynamic charging configuration – which should eliminate the need for the truck to stop to recharge – the size of the onboard battery pack is smaller than if the vehicle operated solely on battery and engine. . This should translate into reduced production costs while maximizing load capacity.
The development of zero battery emissions and little to no impact on load capacity, production and fleet size is achievable with Trolley Assist, and First Quantum has mastered this technology by working with Hitachi Construction Machinery's 2.600V systems to provide platforms stable with multiple trucks on the overhead line at the same time. This system is an operational, practical and economically viable solution that will reduce emissions in mining for many years.
John Gregory of First Quantum states:
This development marks a significant step towards sustainability in the mining industry, showing how collaboration between leading companies can result in technological innovations that benefit both the environment and operational efficiency.
Source: www.hitachicm.com
