Renouned heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar and major mining company CRH have announced a partnership to test electric trucks. The goal of the collaboration is to develop and deploy battery-electric trucks that meet the safety, performance, and regulatory requirements of the mining industry.
Testing of a 70- to 100-ton battery-electric truck is a first in the mining industry
Testing will take place at CRH mines in North America. Trucks will be subjected to rigorous tests in a variety of conditions, including different terrain types, loads, and weather. The goal of the testing is to ensure that the trucks are safe, reliable, and efficient in real-world operating conditions.
Testing supports CRH’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Electric trucks are a key part of Caterpillar’s emissions reduction strategy.
Caterpillar 793 electric truck has demonstrated impressive capabilities in previous tests
Caterpillar has already developed a 793 electric truck with a payload of 100 tons. The truck has previously demonstrated its capabilities in previous tests. It can reach a top speed of nearly 40 km/h, climb a 10% grade for one kilometer at a steady speed of 7.5 km/h, and use regenerative braking to recover energy from the battery when going downhill.
The testing program is expected to last several months. The results of the testing will be used to improve the design and performance of Caterpillar’s electric trucks for future commercialization.
Electric trucks are a key part of Caterpillar’s emissions reduction strategy
The development of electric trucks is a key part of Caterpillar’s emissions reduction strategy. The company is also investing in other electric mining vehicles, such as electric excavators and loaders.
The collaboration between CRH and Caterpillar is a significant step forward in the development of electric mining vehicles. The project has the potential to help the mining industry reduce its environmental impact and transition to a more sustainable future.
