August 2021

Engineless, Full Battery RDT

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

  1. Controls the initial and lifecycle costs

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.

  1. Reduces the vehicle weight and maximizes the load capacity

Limiting the battery volume lessens the weight of the battery solution on the vehicle, maximizing the battery dump truck’s payload capacity.

  1. Dynamic charging solution to provide a higher rate of operation over static charging

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."

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/

#  #  #

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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Pictured from (left to right): Ben, Matt, Scott, Priscilla, Aaron and Heath.

#HCA #OrangeFamily 🍊#HitachiConstruction #Hitachi #Earthmoving #Whitehaven #Productivity
We are pleased to announce that Hitachi is once again sponsoring the AORA event, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to the Australian Organics Recycling Industry.  We are proud to continue supporting this exclusive event that brings together leading professionals and offers a platform for collaboration, knowledge- sharing and forward thinking dialogue. Looking forward to an inspiring event together!
🦺Farm Fest 2025 is almost here!
Hitachi is excited to showcase an impressive lineup of powerful, reliable machines designed to get the job done efficiently and effortlessly. Whether you're looking to upgrade your fleet or just want to see the latest in heavy machinery innovation, come visit us on Stand S07-09!
🔥 PLUS – enter our competition for a chance to WIN a co-branded Weber BBQ! 🔥

It’s the perfect way to kick off your next outdoor gathering — powered by Hitachi and Weber!

Don’t miss out:
📅 When: Farm Fest 3-5 June 2025
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Experience the Precision of Japanese Manufacturing 🎌

Join @aaronwitt and the @buildwitt team as they explore Hitachi Construction Machinery's medium excavator factory, located about an hour from Tokyo. This exclusive tour offers an inside look at the meticulous processes behind Hitachi's renowned excavators.

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-D494Go2No
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Check out this stunning drone footage captured at Northern Star’s new Bannockburn mine site, where we proudly delivered 8 brand-new Hitachi EH3500AC-3 trucks.

Big deliveries deserve a big view — and this one doesn't disappoint.
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Get ready to check out the BELL Water Tanker on display at 2025 The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo Eastern Creek, 16-18 May! 📍 Visit us at stand D3

#DDT2025 #B40Tanker #EasternCreek #StandD3 #WaterTanker #Event2025 #BELLequipment
We’re heading to the Perth Tradie Expo 2025 next month!
Come and experience the power and innovation of Hitachi machinery firsthand.
Explore our display, chat with our team, and discover the cutting-edge features that could transform your worksite operations.
🔧🚧 Don’t miss it!
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Come along and hear the latest cutting-edge insights and grab a free gift!
🎉 Congratulations to Whitehaven Coal on the addition of their 2nd Hitachi EX5600-7 excavator to their Daunia Mine Operation.

Standing tall and poised to meet head on the demanding landscape of Queensland's Bowen Basin by embracing the Hitachi design philosophy of balanced reliability and productivity, the EX5600-7 optimises machine performance, providing a consistent and dependable solution to meet the demands of our customers in the Coal Mining industry.

Pictured from (left to right): Ben, Matt, Scott, Priscilla, Aaron and Heath.

#HCA #OrangeFamily 🍊#HitachiConstruction #Hitachi #Earthmoving #Whitehaven #Productivity
We are pleased to announce that Hitachi is once again sponsoring the AORA event, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to the Australian Organics Recycling Industry.  We are proud to continue supporting this exclusive event that brings together leading professionals and offers a platform for collaboration, knowledge- sharing and forward thinking dialogue. Looking forward to an inspiring event together!
🦺Farm Fest 2025 is almost here!
Hitachi is excited to showcase an impressive lineup of powerful, reliable machines designed to get the job done efficiently and effortlessly. Whether you're looking to upgrade your fleet or just want to see the latest in heavy machinery innovation, come visit us on Stand S07-09!
🔥 PLUS – enter our competition for a chance to WIN a co-branded Weber BBQ! 🔥

It’s the perfect way to kick off your next outdoor gathering — powered by Hitachi and Weber!

Don’t miss out:
📅 When: Farm Fest 3-5 June 2025
📍 Where: Stand S07-09, Toowoomba Showgrounds
🎁 What: Hitachi machines + BBQ giveaway
Experience the Precision of Japanese Manufacturing 🎌

Join @aaronwitt and the @buildwitt team as they explore Hitachi Construction Machinery's medium excavator factory, located about an hour from Tokyo. This exclusive tour offers an inside look at the meticulous processes behind Hitachi's renowned excavators.

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-D494Go2No
🦅A sight worth soaring for.

Check out this stunning drone footage captured at Northern Star’s new Bannockburn mine site, where we proudly delivered 8 brand-new Hitachi EH3500AC-3 trucks.

Big deliveries deserve a big view — and this one doesn't disappoint.
🎥 Courtesy of our very own team on the ground (and in the sky).
🔥Machine spotlight 🔥

Engineered for heavy-duty applications, BELL Water Tankers are the ultimate solution for dust suppression and enhancing visibility on site.  Equipped with advanced technology and customisable features, our BELL E-series Water Tankers not only optimise water distribution but also ensure safety and efficiency on the job site while promoting a cleaner environment.

Get ready to check out the BELL Water Tanker on display at 2025 The National Diesel Dirt & Turf Expo Eastern Creek, 16-18 May! 📍 Visit us at stand D3

#DDT2025 #B40Tanker #EasternCreek #StandD3 #WaterTanker #Event2025 #BELLequipment
We’re heading to the Perth Tradie Expo 2025 next month!
Come and experience the power and innovation of Hitachi machinery firsthand.
Explore our display, chat with our team, and discover the cutting-edge features that could transform your worksite operations.
🔧🚧 Don’t miss it!
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Come along and hear the latest cutting-edge insights and grab a free gift!

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