A Quebec based group has announced it is developing the mining industry’s first heavy-duty electric vehicle, which will appropriately be first used to haul the EV battery mineral graphite.
Propulsion Quebec will design and develop an electric propulsion system, along with a battery solution technology and fast-charging infrastructure adapted to mining operations.
“Currently there are no electric-powered heavy-duty trucks on the market that meet the difficult operational and climate needs of open pit mines,” Propulsion Québec said in a press release.
A Western Star 6900XD truck (pictured above) with a 40-tonne loading capacity will be electrified with a Dana TM4 electric motor. The conversion could save up to 80,000 litres of diesel fuel annually per vehicle, and will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 220 tons.
The first real-world testing of the system will take place at Nouveau Monde Graphite’s proposed Matawinie mine and the Fournier et Fils quarry in Val-d’Or. Initial tests are expected to begin by early 2022.
The project will be funded with a $3.6 million contribution from the governments of Canada and Quebec.
