Tokyo, 23 June 2021 —Hitachi Construction Machinery (TSE: 6305; “Hitachi Construction Machinery”) and ABB today announce that they have signed a collaboration agreement to develop an engineless, full battery rigid frame dump truck (hereinafter, “full battery dump truck”) with a customized on-board energy storage system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offering a solution towards a net zero emission pathway. Utilizing ABB’s innovative battery technology, Hitachi Construction Machinery trucks can be transformed from diesel to full electric battery operation. The dump trucks will operate by utilizing a new onboard electrification system – drawing its energy requirements from an energy supply system with dynamic charging, allowing simultaneous charging of the on-board energy storage system while providing energy to power the truck. The system will provide extended battery longevity by reducing the load and discharge during each haul cycle, offering a cost efficient industry solution that allows continuous operation so as to maintain the high productivity and performance the industry has come to expect from Hitachi Construction Machinery products.
Conceptual image of the dynamic charging battery dump truck in operation
Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding in March 2021 to build a partnership aimed at realizing net zero emissions and this joint development is the first project where the two companies will apply their complementary skills to achieve this goal. ABB will develop the on-board energy storage systems by customizing an existing product and Hitachi Construction Machinery will lead the overall design and development of the dynamic charging battery dump truck utilizing the technology of its existing rigid dump truck with trolley as its base, effectively allowing the accelerated development of this solution.
Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB understand there is a growing interest in the electrification of mining operations and machinery, as environmental awareness grows within the industry and community.
Technology continues to be further developed in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while taking into consideration the demands of mining operations.
By utilizing Hitachi Construction Machinery’s dynamic charging battery dump truck systems and ABB’s battery technology, the joint collaboration will not only help tackle the challenge of solving the issues involved in dump truck electrification, but also provide a real world climate change solution.
■Features of the dynamic charging battery dump truck being jointly developed
By drawing the electrical power from the dynamic charging system required during operation will limit the volume of batteries on the trucks, providing a sustainable solution. In addition, the system aims to reduce the lifecycle costs by drawing electrical power from the overhead system while connected, simultaneously charging the battery in an appropriate manner to reduce the load and depth of discharge, maximizing battery life.
Limiting the battery volume lessens the weight of the battery solution on the vehicle, maximizing the battery dump truck’s payload capacity.
The solution draws electrical power from the dynamic charging system during operation while simultaneously charging the battery, removing the need to stop the vehicle for recharging. Therefore, achieving a higher rate of continuous operation to maintain productivity at site.
Hitachi Construction Machinery’s EH4000AC-3 rigid dump truck model with trolley
"...provide a real world climate change solution."
Joint Development of an Engineless, Full Battery Rigid Dump Truck with ABB
Technology continues to be further developed in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB’s joint solution will contribute to net zero emissions of greenhouse gases from mining machinery, utilizing ABB’s strengths in mining facility control systems, power grids, and overall mining processes, paired with Hitachi Construction Machinery’s extensive trolley truck delivery record and engineering capability in providing a rigid dump truck platform with power-receiving dynamic charging system.
■Comment from Edgar Keller, President of ABB’s Motion Traction Division
“We are honored to collaborate with Hitachi Construction Machinery combining extensive industry expertise and innovative technologies to improve efficiency and accelerate the transition to all-electric mine operations. By co-creating solutions, we can help mine operators achieve their production and sustainability goals.”
■Comment from Sonosuke Ishii, Senior Vice President and Executive Officer, President of Mining Group
ABB highly values our superiority with respect to electric ultra-large hydraulic excavators, AC drive dump trucks, and diesel engine rigid dump trucks with trolley. The strengths and knowledge of both companies will be utilized to realize the early development of dynamic charging battery dump trucks. In addition, ABB’s energy storage solutions can also be used for static charging dump trucks and the technology is ready for future fuel cell electric vehicles, the basic technologies required for net-zero emissions from mining machinery can also be established as part of the current development. Both companies will continue with the development while looking ahead to the future.
■Related information
・Press release announced on March 30, 2021
Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB sign Memorandum of Understanding to explore opportunities for mine operators to target net-zero emissions from mining machinery
・Video of a diesel engine rigid dump truck with trolley
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
Hitachi, Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., (TSE: 6305), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a global Construction Machinery company with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2020 (ended March 31, 2021) consolidated revenues totaled 813 billion yen. Hitachi Construction Machinery will focus more than ever on the Construction and Mining Machinery Business, which includes Hydraulic Excavators, Wheel Loaders, Rigid Dump Trucks, Compaction Equipment, Applications and Mine Management Systems. For more information on Hitachi Construction Machinery, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachicm.com/global/
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Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
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36 tonnes of serious digging power.
The Hitachi ZX360LCH-7 has landed with the team at Apex Civil Solutions, ready to get straight to work.
Built for demanding civil projects, the ZX360LCH-7 delivers the performance, durability and operator comfort that crews rely on when productivity matters most.
It’s always great seeing another Hitachi machine join the fleet of a growing civil contractor, and we’re proud to support the Apex team as they continue delivering quality projects across Queensland.
We can’t wait to see this machine in action.
@apexcivilsolutionsqld
This week we recognised and thanked the incredible women across our business.
From workshops and mine sites to branches and offices, the leadership, capability, energy and perspective they bring every day continues to shape the future of our company.
As Ray Kitic shares in this message, our commitment goes beyond recognition. We remain focused on strengthening the pathways and opportunities that support the growth and success of women across our organisation.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Today we recognise International Women’s Day and celebrate the contributions of women across our business and the wider construction and mining industries.
From the workshop floor and mine sites to engineering, operations, and leadership, women continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our industry.
At Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, we’re proud to work alongside talented women across our branches, supporting innovation, capability, and progress every day.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Six years in the Army.
Now a fourth-year apprentice in Toowoomba.
Taleisha didn’t come into the trades the traditional way. After serving in the Army, she began her apprenticeship elsewhere but felt she wasn’t getting the hands-on experience needed to properly build her skills.
That changed when she joined the team.
Today her weeks can include new builds in the workshop, site work at mines, or jobs at local quarries. She works on loaders and mining equipment, services machines, installs pumps and supports major builds — backed by formal OEM training and experienced technicians around her.
Like every apprentice, she has made mistakes. On one job she damaged a seal during installation. She reported it straight away. The team worked through what happened and how to correct it.
That is how competence is built.
Six months ago, she completed her first solo service on a customer machine. It was a small milestone, but an important one — proof of progress and trust earned.
No two days look the same. That is what she values most.
Her focus now is finishing her apprenticeship and continuing her career as a tradesperson long term.
This is what development looks like:
Experience. Accountability. Support.
And technicians who are built to last.
Building better roads with the right gear.
Sandridge Roads continues to invest in performance and reliability, adding two Hitachi ZX260LC-7 excavators and one Hitachi ZX85USB-7 to their fleet over the past 18 months.
Specialising in civil construction and road infrastructure, Sandridge Roads is known for delivering high-quality outcomes across residential and commercial projects. With machines designed for durability, efficiency and operator comfort, their Hitachi fleet is helping keep projects moving safely and productively.
We appreciate the continued partnership and trust in Hitachi equipment.
Here’s to many more kilometres of quality work ahead. 💪 🍊 💪
Out on site in Denman Prospect this overcast morning, supporting the team where it matters most.
Our Canberra crew dropped service parts to HCA fitter, currently backing up Proline Civils’ impressive (and impeccably clean 👌) Hitachi ZX260LC-7.
It’s all about keeping machines moving and projects on track. Reliable support, delivered on the ground.
A big thanks to Josh and the Proline Civils team for having us on site.
♻️ Delivered: Hitachi ZX135US-7H to Triple R Solutions – Melbourne
We’re proud to have delivered a new Hitachi ZX135US-7H excavator to the team at Triple R Solutions, a leading recycling company setting high standards in waste and recycling services across Melbourne.
Committed to quality service while remaining competitive, Triple R Solutions provides comprehensive rubbish removal and skip bin hire services ranging from 3m³ to 30m³.
This latest addition strengthens an already loyal Hitachi fleet, which includes a ZX40U-3, ZX17U-5 and ZX48U-5. The new ZX135US-7H replaces their previous ZX135US-3, continuing a long-standing partnership built on reliability and performance.
Thank you to the Triple R Solutions team for your continued trust in Hitachi equipment. We look forward to supporting your operations into the future.
@triple_r_solutions
From Trade Assistant to Apprentice Plant Mechanic 👏
At our Wacol branch, Nick is stepping into the next chapter of his journey.
Starting out as a Trade Assistant, Nick has now taken the leap into an Apprentice Plant Mechanic role - bringing hands-on experience, a strong work ethic, and a clear focus on safety.
For Nick, safety isn’t just a checklist. It’s about looking out for your team, doing the job properly, and making sure everyone goes home the way they arrived.
And he’s just getting started.
Nick is looking forward to getting up close with our mining equipment and continuing to build his skills alongside the team.
The future’s looking solid. 💪
📍 Port Lincoln | SA
Last week, our team had the pleasure of delivering a Hitachi ZX135US-7H to Groundwork Landscaping, right in the heart of South Australia’s seafood capital.
This latest addition strengthens Groundwork Landscaping’s fleet and continues a long-standing relationship with the orange brand. Owner Jarrad is a loyal Hitachi customer, already operating ZX33U-5 and ZX55U-5 machines - a testament to the reliability, performance, and versatility of Hitachi excavators across landscaping and civil applications.
We’d like to thank Jarrad and the team at Groundwork Landscaping for their continued trust and support. We look forward to seeing the ZX135US-7H hard at work across projects on the Eyre Peninsula.
@groundworklandscaping_
36 tonnes of serious digging power.
The Hitachi ZX360LCH-7 has landed with the team at Apex Civil Solutions, ready to get straight to work.
Built for demanding civil projects, the ZX360LCH-7 delivers the performance, durability and operator comfort that crews rely on when productivity matters most.
It’s always great seeing another Hitachi machine join the fleet of a growing civil contractor, and we’re proud to support the Apex team as they continue delivering quality projects across Queensland.
We can’t wait to see this machine in action.
@apexcivilsolutionsqld
This week we recognised and thanked the incredible women across our business.
From workshops and mine sites to branches and offices, the leadership, capability, energy and perspective they bring every day continues to shape the future of our company.
As Ray Kitic shares in this message, our commitment goes beyond recognition. We remain focused on strengthening the pathways and opportunities that support the growth and success of women across our organisation.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Today we recognise International Women’s Day and celebrate the contributions of women across our business and the wider construction and mining industries.
From the workshop floor and mine sites to engineering, operations, and leadership, women continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our industry.
At Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia, we’re proud to work alongside talented women across our branches, supporting innovation, capability, and progress every day.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Six years in the Army.
Now a fourth-year apprentice in Toowoomba.
Taleisha didn’t come into the trades the traditional way. After serving in the Army, she began her apprenticeship elsewhere but felt she wasn’t getting the hands-on experience needed to properly build her skills.
That changed when she joined the team.
Today her weeks can include new builds in the workshop, site work at mines, or jobs at local quarries. She works on loaders and mining equipment, services machines, installs pumps and supports major builds — backed by formal OEM training and experienced technicians around her.
Like every apprentice, she has made mistakes. On one job she damaged a seal during installation. She reported it straight away. The team worked through what happened and how to correct it.
That is how competence is built.
Six months ago, she completed her first solo service on a customer machine. It was a small milestone, but an important one — proof of progress and trust earned.
No two days look the same. That is what she values most.
Her focus now is finishing her apprenticeship and continuing her career as a tradesperson long term.
This is what development looks like:
Experience. Accountability. Support.
And technicians who are built to last.
Building better roads with the right gear.
Sandridge Roads continues to invest in performance and reliability, adding two Hitachi ZX260LC-7 excavators and one Hitachi ZX85USB-7 to their fleet over the past 18 months.
Specialising in civil construction and road infrastructure, Sandridge Roads is known for delivering high-quality outcomes across residential and commercial projects. With machines designed for durability, efficiency and operator comfort, their Hitachi fleet is helping keep projects moving safely and productively.
We appreciate the continued partnership and trust in Hitachi equipment.
Here’s to many more kilometres of quality work ahead. 💪 🍊 💪
Out on site in Denman Prospect this overcast morning, supporting the team where it matters most.
Our Canberra crew dropped service parts to HCA fitter, currently backing up Proline Civils’ impressive (and impeccably clean 👌) Hitachi ZX260LC-7.
It’s all about keeping machines moving and projects on track. Reliable support, delivered on the ground.
A big thanks to Josh and the Proline Civils team for having us on site.
♻️ Delivered: Hitachi ZX135US-7H to Triple R Solutions – Melbourne
We’re proud to have delivered a new Hitachi ZX135US-7H excavator to the team at Triple R Solutions, a leading recycling company setting high standards in waste and recycling services across Melbourne.
Committed to quality service while remaining competitive, Triple R Solutions provides comprehensive rubbish removal and skip bin hire services ranging from 3m³ to 30m³.
This latest addition strengthens an already loyal Hitachi fleet, which includes a ZX40U-3, ZX17U-5 and ZX48U-5. The new ZX135US-7H replaces their previous ZX135US-3, continuing a long-standing partnership built on reliability and performance.
Thank you to the Triple R Solutions team for your continued trust in Hitachi equipment. We look forward to supporting your operations into the future.
@triple_r_solutions
From Trade Assistant to Apprentice Plant Mechanic 👏
At our Wacol branch, Nick is stepping into the next chapter of his journey.
Starting out as a Trade Assistant, Nick has now taken the leap into an Apprentice Plant Mechanic role - bringing hands-on experience, a strong work ethic, and a clear focus on safety.
For Nick, safety isn’t just a checklist. It’s about looking out for your team, doing the job properly, and making sure everyone goes home the way they arrived.
And he’s just getting started.
Nick is looking forward to getting up close with our mining equipment and continuing to build his skills alongside the team.
The future’s looking solid. 💪
📍 Port Lincoln | SA
Last week, our team had the pleasure of delivering a Hitachi ZX135US-7H to Groundwork Landscaping, right in the heart of South Australia’s seafood capital.
This latest addition strengthens Groundwork Landscaping’s fleet and continues a long-standing relationship with the orange brand. Owner Jarrad is a loyal Hitachi customer, already operating ZX33U-5 and ZX55U-5 machines - a testament to the reliability, performance, and versatility of Hitachi excavators across landscaping and civil applications.
We’d like to thank Jarrad and the team at Groundwork Landscaping for their continued trust and support. We look forward to seeing the ZX135US-7H hard at work across projects on the Eyre Peninsula.
@groundworklandscaping_
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