Hitachi and ABB partner to develop engineless, battery-powered rigid dump truck

Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB have signed a collaboration agreement to develop an engineless, full-battery rigid frame dump truck with a customized on-board energy storage system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offering a solution towards a net-zero emission pathway.

Utilizing ABB's innovative battery technology, Hitachi Construction Machinery trucks can be transformed from diesel to full-electric battery operation. The dump trucks will operate by utilizing a new onboard electrification system - drawing its energy requirements from an energy supply system with dynamic charging, allowing simultaneous charging of the on-board energy storage system while providing energy to power the truck. 

The system will provide extended battery longevity by reducing the load and discharge during each haul cycle, offering a cost-efficient industry solution that allows continuous operation so as to maintain high productivity and performance.

Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB understand there is a growing interest in the electrification of mining operations and machinery, as environmental awareness grows within the industry and community. Technology continues to be further developed in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while taking into consideration the demands of mining operations.

By utilizing Hitachi Construction Machinery's dynamic charging battery dump truck systems and ABB's battery technology, the joint collaboration will help tackle the challenge of solving the issues involved in dump truck electrification, and also provide a real-world climate change solution.

Features of the dynamic charging battery dump truck

Controls the initial and lifecycle cost

By drawing the electrical power from the dynamic charging system required during operation will limit the volume of batteries on the trucks, providing a sustainable solution. 

In addition, the system aims to reduce the lifecycle costs by drawing electrical power from the overhead system while connected, simultaneously charging the battery in an appropriate manner to reduce the load and depth of discharge, maximizing battery life

Reduces vehicle weight and maximizes the load capacity

Limiting the battery volume lessens the weight of the battery solution on the vehicle, maximizing the battery dump truck's payload capacity

Dynamic charging solution to provide a higher rate of operation over static charging

The solution draws electrical power from the dynamic charging system during operation while simultaneously charging the battery, removing the need to stop the vehicle for recharging, therefore achieving a higher rate of continuous operation to maintain productivity on job sites.