Caterpillar Inc. announced the successful demonstration of its first battery-electric 793 large mining truck, as well as a significant investment to transform its Arizona-based proving ground into a future-proof testing and validation hub.
Caterpillar completed the development of its first battery electric 793 prototype with the help of key mining customers in Caterpillar’s Early Learner program. BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont Corporation, Rio Tinto, and Teck Resources Limited are among the program participants with definitive electrification agreements.
“Our global team came together to develop this battery truck at an accelerated pace to help our customers meet their sustainability commitments,” said Resource Industries Group President Denise Johnson.
“This demonstration is a significant milestone, and we are excited for these trucks to get to work at customers’ sites around the world in the near future.”
The Early Learner program, which began in 2021, aims to accelerate the development and validation of Caterpillar’s battery electric trucks at the locations of participating customers.
This strategy complements the individual commitments made by each Early Learner participant to reduce and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from their operations. The program’s primary goal is for Caterpillar to work more closely with its customers as the industry undergoes transformational change as a result of the energy transition.
Customers from Caterpillar’s Early Learner program gathered to watch a live demonstration of Caterpillar’s prototype battery truck on a seven-kilometer (4.3-mile) course.
Caterpillar monitored over 1,100 data channels during the event, collecting 110,000 data points per second to validate simulation and engineering modeling capabilities. The truck reached a top speed of 60 km/h when fully loaded to its rated capacity (37.3 mph). ,, – (7.5 mph). The truck also ran a one-kilometer (0.62-mile) downhill run, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost to heat and regenerating it to the battery.
The truck retained enough battery energy after completing the entire run to perform additional complete cycles.
Mine Site of the Future
The prototype truck was built at Caterpillar’s Tucson Proving Ground in Green Valley, Arizona. Caterpillar is investing in the proving ground to transform it into a working, sustainable “mine site of the future” by installing and utilizing a variety of renewable energy sources.
The goal is to implement the same sustainable solutions that mining companies will use at their own operations in order to learn firsthand what it takes to run an electrified mine site and effectively support customers through the changes.
“The Tucson Proving Ground transformation enables Caterpillar to demonstrate our energy transition commitments and serve as a stronger advisor to customers as we navigate the changes together. We know that miners will need an integrated, site-level solution to meet their carbon-reduction targets, and we’re here to assist them as they redefine the way they mine for future generations” Johnson emphasized his point.
As part of the site transformation, the company will install the most recent advancements in sustainability technology, such as green hydrogen production, natural gas and 100% hydrogen reciprocating engine power generation, fuel cell power generation, and expanded energy storage systems.
The site will also leverage a variety of renewable power sources, including wind, solar and hydrogen, capable of powering the facility and its products as they become electrified. The facility’s transformation will also serve as a learning platform for optimizing charging and energy management integration.
