BEV demand only goes up: CMJ looks at recent offerings from OEMs

Here is a look at a few battery electric vehicles (BEVs) new to the market with particular capabilities for the mining industry. From automated bolting to the first underground-capable road grader, the selection keeps growing.

EPIROC

Battery conversions are a key element of the ongoing electrification of mining operations in Canada and across the globe. Conversions are cost efficient and utilizes the full potential of low total cost of ownership (TCO).

When the conversion is included in a midlife rebuild, it helps return equipment to maximum productivity and operating efficiency – all while adding thousands of hours of high-performance with no emissions. Epiroc always offers short turnaround time and flexible payment terms – in parallel with high performance.

Epiroc’ battery conversions for underground loaders let you make the switch from diesel to battery on your terms, whenever you are ready.

MacLean Engineering

With the first-ever MacLean GR5 underground road grader shipped to Africa and additional units scheduled for production, the newest addition to the MacLean Engineering line of Mine-Mate utility vehicles is ready to be introduced to the mining world.

Working with professionals from a former Canadian grader OEM, MacLean developed a fit-for-purpose design for the underground environment. The GR5 is purposely sized to match the tractive effort and drawbar pull of full-sized surface graders.

The unit features a CAN bus control system that allows joystick control technology to be deployed for both steering and application functions simultaneously to ease operator comfort and control, while also boasting an onboard vehicle telemetry package that can monitor the performance and health of the vehicle.

On the powertrain side, the unit can be either battery electric or diesel-powered, and comes equipped standard with a six-wheel infinitely adjustable drive system using dual hydrostatic motors and active traction control. It is designed to work optimally in 5-by-5-metre headings. The unit is designed for a minimal turning radius and its moldboard system uses a simpler design than its surface grader counterparts to ensure durability and reliability.

MEDATech

As miners gear up to shed CO2, MEDATech’s electric vehicle fleet optimization software (EV-FOS) ensures that the transition to battery-electric vehicle (BEV) power is not only good for the environment, but also profitable.

EV-FOS is used in mine development and in production to optimize BEV energy usage. The software compares apples to apples: BEV fleets versus diesel fleets in dollars per tonne by the level, by the year, for fast charging, for battery swapping, and for diesel. EV-FOS will also pinpoint where charging infrastructure needs to be, whether moving a station or installing a new one.

The big dividends of EV-FOS are measuring cost in dollars per tonne and in total CO2 reduction. Measurement takes into account labour, capital costs, operational costs, and ventilation costs.

Normet

Normet’s new battery-electric personnel carrier delivers safer underground transportation than other vehicles. The Utimec MF 205 PER SD sets the new standard to safety, comfort, and ergonomics with a new fully FOPS and ROPS approved personnel carrier with the Normet SmartDrive architecture.

Normet SmartDrive enables higher productivity, lower operating costs, and zero local emissions. It generates significantly less noise and heat compared with diesel equivalents, which improves the operators’ health and safety. The Utimec 205 PER SD fits three people in the cabin and 20 people in the enclosed heated and cooled personnel compartment. It also has many driver-assist functions to ensure optimal control.

Sandvik

The Sandvik DS412iE bolter is sized for 4-by-4-metre headings combining a safe, ergonomic working environment with high levels of automation. Equipped with a completely new carrier, a high frequency rock drill, an intelligent control system and an ergonomic cabin, the DS412iE offers high levels of safety and efficiency providing peace of mind for all rock reinforcement operations.

The bolter is equipped with an electric drive and includes a battery package and electric motor for zero emissions while tramming. It handles a wide range of bolt types and lengths, including a combination of automatic cement mixer and automatic resin injection. Like all the 400i-class machines, the DS412iE features high parts commonality.

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