ABB is helping manufacturers of heavy-duty mining and other off-highway vehicles transition to fully-electric operation with its optimized e-drivetrain.
Combining a motor, drive and vehicle control unit, the solution provides maximum performance, reliability and energy efficiency for heavy machine applications.
Underground mining and infrastructure equipment manufacturer Epiroc is incorporating the technology into its second-generation battery-powered vehicles. As a result, air quality and noise pollution have dramatically improved on-site as the company is able to work in a diesel-free mine – reducing ventilation needs and maintenance costs.
“ABB views the electrification of heavy vehicles as an important step toward a low-carbon future,” said Heikki Vepsalainen, managing director of ABB’s motors and generators business.
“Our work with Epiroc demonstrates that we are leading the way as a provider of e-mobility systems and products for heavy vehicles. Our broad portfolio includes electric vehicle chargers, ABB Ability for grid and fleet management, drivetrains and robotized production lines for electric motors, batteries and other drivetrain components.”
Many OEMs face a challenge that their drivecycle and performance requirements vary greatly between applications such as drilling, scooping and trucking of materials. This can make it difficult for designers to identify the best choice of e-drivetrain for their specific application.
An over-specified e-drivetrain may cost more than necessary and carry a weight penalty. While an under-specified e-drivetrain may not deliver the required power, could overheat and as a result will be unreliable with a reduced service life.
ABB has an installed base of over 50,000 drivetrains for heavy electric vehicles including rail vehicles, buses, construction equipment, mining and special vehicles. The company has also partnered with Northvolt to develop a state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery factory.
Want to know more about ABB’s electric drivetrain technology? They will be exhibiting at iVT Expo, on February 13-14, 2019, in Cologne, Germany. Entry to the show is free of charge – register here.
