Liebherr And Fortescue Advance Battery-Electric Mining Truck Project

Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Liebherr and Fortescue accomplished a key milestone in the advancement of battery-electric mining haul trucks by successfully integrating a Liebherr T 264 with Fortescue Zero's battery-electric power system in Virginia, United States.

A major step toward the deployment of zero-emission haul trucks in Australia's Pilbara mining area, the integration was completed at Liebherr's mining equipment proving grounds close to its Newport News production base.

One of the more than 100 Liebherr T 264 diesel-electric trucks that Fortescue now operates in Australia will be converted into a battery-electric vehicle as part of the next phase.

The truck that was tested in Virginia has pantograph-based trolley assist technology that was linked to Liebherr's overhead charging line infrastructure.

Fortescue Zero's 6MW charging system, which the firm claims can recharge this type of mining vehicle in around 30 minutes, is anticipated to be used by the trucks at Fortescue's mining operations.

In order to allow completely autonomous operation, route optimization, and energy management for upcoming zero-emission mining fleets, the project also combines Liebherr IoMine autonomous haulage technology with Fortescue Zero's Elysia battery intelligence platform.

The project is a component of broader mining sector initiatives to use autonomous and battery-electric technology to decarbonize heavy haulage operations.