An electric world is nice, without emissions… but somehow the raw materials will have to be removed and for now that means using huge diesel trucks that consume a lot to move tons of material. For now, because Caterpillar has already introduced the Cat 793 Electric, the first prototype electric mining truck.
But can a truck with this replace a monster like the Cat 793 diesel? We are talking about a dumper capable of loading 252 tons, thanks to its 85,000 cc engine that delivers 2,650 HP of power. There is no technical data on the new prototype, only that it covered 7 km at the Caterpillar proving ground in Tucson, Arizona, where it was built.
In that space of time it reached 60 km/h, covered a 10% grade for one kilometer at 12 km/h and then used that same descent to recover some energy for its battery pack, the capacity of which was not specified. After this brief ShowCaterpillar claimed that there was enough charge left for more comprehensive demonstrations.
What can be seen in the images is that the batteries are located between the two axles and possibly have more in the place for the gigantic diesel block of the combustion version. Nor is there (a pity) a single data on the technical specifications of the electric motor that moves such a mass.
Caterpillar’s idea is to help the mining industry transition to make its work more sustainable. We knew of a project for a hydrogen mining truck, but Caterpillar’s idea is to have one that is 100% powered by batteries. In fact, the company has the program Early Lener to accelerate the implementation of electric trucks and there are several companies interested in them.
In the absence of knowing specific technical details, it is best to see the gigantic 793 electric mining truck prototype in action:
Source: Caterpillar