HITACHI
Hitachi Construction Machinery: electric supertruck developed by Hitachi
Japanese company Hitachi has begun major trials with an electric tipper supertruck at an open-pit copper and gold mine in Zambia. Powered by battery, the prototype is having its performance analyzed, as well as engineers are checking the support infrastructure.
Despite being considered a very harmful process for the environment, mining has sought a series of efforts to reduce this profile. At least when it comes to heavy machinery. GM, Fortescue, Caterpillar and Anglo American, for example, have also presented models in this regard.
Development of the electric supertruck by Hitachi Construction Machinery began in June 2021, with support from key partnerships. In 2023, mining company First Quantum Minerals entered this venture, agreeing to feasibility tests for the truck at its Kansanshi copper/gold mine in Zambia – where several Hitachi trucks were already in operation.
These vehicles operate with both an internal combustion engine and electrical power from overhead wires. The battery-electric version of the supertruck promises to completely eliminate diesel emissions, a significant advantage considering that 92% of Zambia's energy comes from renewable sources.
The battery-electric model was based on the Hitachi EH4000 AC-3, which is 14 meters long and 7.14 meters high (similar to the height of a two-story house). The tires are approximately 4 meters in diameter and 1.5 meters wide.
Powered by a 2,500 hp Cummins engine, the supertruck also features regenerative braking (which helps reduce the need for stops to recharge). With a load capacity of 243.6 tons, the vehicle must operate continuously in the mine also thanks to the network of aerial loading lines.
While the exact battery capacity has not been disclosed, the dynamic charging setup should allow for a smaller battery size. This would reduce production costs and maximize payload capacity.
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