FLEETS

VA Erzberg and Liebherr launch hybrid truck trials

The hybrid trucks will save 3 million litres of diesel and 4,200t of CO₂ per year

The trials are taking place at an altitude of 1,055 metres above sea level

The trials are taking place at an altitude of 1,055 metres above sea level

The companies have modified six 100-tonne diesel Liebherr T 236 trucks and built a 5km test track for them at Erzberg's iron ore mine in Eisenerz.

Erzberg said that when connected to the overhead power lines in trolley mode, the full power capacity of the trucks' electric wheel motors can be translated into speed on grade while its diesel engine idles.

VA Erzberg expects to save around 3 million litres of diesel and 4,200 tonnes  of CO2 emissions per year, while also reducing nitrogen oxides and fine dust - it estimates that currently, it burns 4.5 million litres per year to transport more than 13 million metric tonnes per year of rock.

The trial has faced mining-specific challenges such as uneven terrain, the need to navigate tight bends and adverse weather conditions, said the company. The trials are taking place at altitudes of up to 1,055 metres above sea level.

Josef Pappenreiter, technical director of VA Erzberg, said standard existing overhead line technology was not directly suitable for the specific requirements at the project.

"Our newly developed technology is different from everything previously available on the market in terms of both the overhead line system and the vehicle technology itself. This could only be developed with our cooperative and innovative partner Liebherr Mining in Colmar."

"Another challenge is the electrical engineering as all six T 236 are connected to the overhead lines simultaneously in several places," said Peter Schimek, project manager for VA Erzberg.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions