ABB and Hitachi to develop electric dump truck

According to the companies, the system will provide extended battery longevity by reducing the load and discharge during each haul cycle

ABB and Hitachi Construction Machinery are to work together to develop a zero-emission battery electric rigid dump truck that features in-motion charging.

The dump trucks will operate by using a new onboard electrification system. This will draw its energy requirements from an energy supply system with dynamic charging, allowing simultaneous charging of the onboard energy storage system while providing energy to power the truck.

According to the companies, the system will provide extended battery longevity by reducing the load and discharge during each haul cycle. This allows continuous operation and therefore maintain high productivity and performance.

ABB recently announced its ‘formal entry’ into construction. The company and Hitachi signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year to build a partnership aimed at realising net zero emissions.

Hitachi will lead the overall design and development of the dynamic charging battery dump truck utilising the technology of its existing rigid dump truck with trolley as its base and ABB will develop the on-board energy storage systems by customising an existing product. As both companies are developing existing solution this should allow the accelerated development of the product.

Motion traction division president at ABB, Edgar Keller, said, “We are honoured to collaborate with Hitachi Construction Machinery combining extensive industry expertise and innovative technologies to improve efficiency and accelerate the transition to all-electric mine operations.

“By co-creating solutions, we can help mine operators achieve their production and sustainability goals.”

Caterpillar recently announced that it was developing an all-electric mining fleet.