On November 22, 2022, Caterpillar successfully demonstrated their first battery-powered electric mining truck, the 793, on a 7km course in an Arizona mine. Additionally, the company has made significant investments to convert its proving ground in Arizona into a “sustainable testing and validation hub of the future”.
Those in attendance at the 793 electric truck’s demonstration were some of the company’s key customers. These include BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont Corporation, and Rio Tinto. These customers are also part of Caterpillar’s Early Learners program which aims to accelerate the development of electric mining trucks and other equipment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from mine operations.
Testing the electric truck on the site
Caterpillar built and tested the electric truck in their proving ground in Green Valley, Arizona. During the test drive of the 793 electric truck, Caterpillar thoroughly monitored its performance. Over 1,100 data channels validated the truck’s simulation and engineering modeling capabilities. The truck was loaded to its rated capacity and achieved a top speed of 60km/h or 37mph. It also climbed and descended on a 1km-long 10% grade slope at 12km/h. The downhill trek enabled the truck to capture the energy that would normally be lost to heat and redirect it back to the battery.
After the demonstration, Caterpillar stated that the truck had enough energy to perform more tasks if needed. As for the proving ground, they are planning to utilize various renewable energy sources. This is to learn firsthand how to run an electrified, sustainable mine site and effectively support customers through revolutionary change.
Moreover, Caterpillar is also planning to implement the latest advancement in sustainable technologies — including wind, solar, and hydrogen fuel cell — to power the facility and equipment. The mine will also serve as a learning platform for optimizing charging and energy management integration.
YouTube: Meet Caterpillar’s First Battery Electric Large Mining Truck
Photo credit: The images are owned by Caterpillar and have been provided for press usage.
Source: PR Newswire
