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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#TheOrangeFamily

Supporting Paediatric Healthcare in the Hunter Region

We’re thrilled to share that, through our partnership with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Hitachi recently made a donation to Muswellbrook Hospital’s Maternity Unit. A few of our team members, including Aaron, Seamus and Tynan, visited the hospital for the handover of a Jaundice Detector and learned about the important impact this piece of equipment will have on the local community.

The Maternity Unit team, guided by Lisa Buckley, explained how vital this new jaundice detector is. While births in the area are now planned at larger hospitals in Maitland and Newcastle, local mothers often have babies born slightly early to avoid travel risks. These babies have a higher chance of developing jaundice, so having a detector on-site ensures quick and effective monitoring right at Muswellbrook.

Lisa expressed deep gratitude for the donation, as equipment funding is a challenge, and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a crucial lifeline for these resources. This new equipment will be instrumental not only in the hospital but also for providing care in the community for families who can’t make regular hospital visits.

Together, we’re making a difference in the health and well-being of families in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Hitachi Construction Machinery is proud to lead the way in sustainable mining technology, with the world's first engineless, full-battery rigid frame dump truck currently undergoing real-world testing at a mine site in Zambia. This milestone project significantly reduces emissions and delivers cleaner energy solutions for large-scale mining operations. 🌏🔋

Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of mining machinery!
🎃🚜 The Pumpkin king is onsite and digging deep this Halloween! No tricks, just powerful treats with Hitachi. Happy Halloween! 👻🧡
🚧 Meet the S Series H21 Hitachi ZX170W! 🚧

One of the safest rail machines on the market, it’s built to withstand the most severe working conditions while being reliable, versatile, and efficient. The S Series Rail Guidance System features retractable rail wheel assemblies installed on the excavator, positioning the vehicle on the rail while allowing the tyres to maintain traction and braking. The blade is equipped with a mechanical twist mechanism to meet Australian Standards.

Choose safety and efficiency for your next project! 🔧✨
🎂🍰 How awesome is this cake?! 🍰🎂

Our friends at Red Mulga went all out to celebrate Jonsey's 30th birthday, one of their valued operators, and we couldn’t resist sharing their creativity! Featuring a miniature EX8000, this cake captures the spirit of Hitachi machines in the sweetest way possible.🧡

Happy 30th, Jonsey! And kudos to Red Mulga for the fantastic tribute to a true Hitachi fan.
🚛 New Delivery Alert! 🚛

We’re excited to announce that our Launceston team has just delivered a brand-new ZW180-7 loader to DT Infrastructure, ready to power up their work on the Tasmanian Rail Network! 🚧🚂

On Friday, 27th October, the DT Infrastructure crew visited our Launceston branch for hands-on training and familiarisation with the machine’s advanced features. They were impressed by the ZW180-7's performance and functionality, and we can't wait to see it in action on the rails! 💪
Supporting Paediatric Healthcare in the Hunter Region

We’re thrilled to share that, through our partnership with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Hitachi recently made a donation to Muswellbrook Hospital’s Maternity Unit. A few of our team members, including Aaron, Seamus and Tynan, visited the hospital for the handover of a Jaundice Detector and learned about the important impact this piece of equipment will have on the local community.

The Maternity Unit team, guided by Lisa Buckley, explained how vital this new jaundice detector is. While births in the area are now planned at larger hospitals in Maitland and Newcastle, local mothers often have babies born slightly early to avoid travel risks. These babies have a higher chance of developing jaundice, so having a detector on-site ensures quick and effective monitoring right at Muswellbrook.

Lisa expressed deep gratitude for the donation, as equipment funding is a challenge, and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a crucial lifeline for these resources. This new equipment will be instrumental not only in the hospital but also for providing care in the community for families who can’t make regular hospital visits.

Together, we’re making a difference in the health and well-being of families in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Hitachi Construction Machinery is proud to lead the way in sustainable mining technology, with the world's first engineless, full-battery rigid frame dump truck currently undergoing real-world testing at a mine site in Zambia. This milestone project significantly reduces emissions and delivers cleaner energy solutions for large-scale mining operations. 🌏🔋

Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of mining machinery!
🎃🚜 The Pumpkin king is onsite and digging deep this Halloween! No tricks, just powerful treats with Hitachi. Happy Halloween! 👻🧡
🚧 Meet the S Series H21 Hitachi ZX170W! 🚧

One of the safest rail machines on the market, it’s built to withstand the most severe working conditions while being reliable, versatile, and efficient. The S Series Rail Guidance System features retractable rail wheel assemblies installed on the excavator, positioning the vehicle on the rail while allowing the tyres to maintain traction and braking. The blade is equipped with a mechanical twist mechanism to meet Australian Standards.

Choose safety and efficiency for your next project! 🔧✨
🎂🍰 How awesome is this cake?! 🍰🎂

Our friends at Red Mulga went all out to celebrate Jonsey's 30th birthday, one of their valued operators, and we couldn’t resist sharing their creativity! Featuring a miniature EX8000, this cake captures the spirit of Hitachi machines in the sweetest way possible.🧡

Happy 30th, Jonsey! And kudos to Red Mulga for the fantastic tribute to a true Hitachi fan.
🚛 New Delivery Alert! 🚛

We’re excited to announce that our Launceston team has just delivered a brand-new ZW180-7 loader to DT Infrastructure, ready to power up their work on the Tasmanian Rail Network! 🚧🚂

On Friday, 27th October, the DT Infrastructure crew visited our Launceston branch for hands-on training and familiarisation with the machine’s advanced features. They were impressed by the ZW180-7's performance and functionality, and we can't wait to see it in action on the rails! 💪

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