New Sandvik battery boosts BEV runtime by 36 percent
Sandvik is introducing a higher-capacity battery for its BEV loaders and trucks that delivers 36 percent more energy in the same envelope. Featuring the same less volatile lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry ideal for underground mining, the new battery is a leap forward in safety, reliability and performance.
In addition to 36 percent longer runtime, customers can expect a lower cost per amp-hour compared to current-generation Artisan® battery packs. The increased capacity also improves charge acceptance, enabling faster downhill speeds and better efficiency.
“This new battery represents 13 years of technology evolution for Artisan® battery packs,” said Joseph Beck, Product Line Manager, Batteries and Chargers, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. “By utilizing the latest generation of larger LFP battery cells, we’ve optimized energy density to enable our largest BEV loaders and trucks to operate 36 percent longer between battery swaps. Our simulations show that customers will be able to eliminate one swap every shift in some applications.”
Purpose-built for underground mining and designed and manufactured in-house by Sandvik, the new battery maintains the modularity and ruggedness of the existing pack and features significant design improvements.
A revamped housing and increased rigidity enhance structural strength, enabling the battery to better withstand shock and vibration. Laser-welded terminals provide a stronger connection with lower resistance, reducing energy loss and heat while improving efficiency and safety. Top and bottom cooling plates improve cooling performance to slow cell degradation and extend life. Key design improvements also include better ingress protection against dust and moisture.
The next-generation LFP battery cells are fully encapsulated in a non-conductive potting material, increasing thermal conductivity and reducing the risk of overheating and short circuit. Sandvik has also redesigned its battery management system for improved reliability and function. This safety feature monitors every cell’s temperature and voltage to ensure everything is within operational range.
The new high-capacity battery is designed to meet ranging market requirements and international standards including UL, CE, UN and IEC. It is easily retrofittable with Sandvik Z40, Sandvik Z50, Sandvik LH518B and Sandvik TH550B units currently operating in the field. It is expected to be commercially available from Q4 2023 and equipped as standard on all new Sandvik BEV loader and truck orders.
Camarillo, California, USA, May 23, 2023
For more information, please contact:
Joseph Beck
Product Line Manager, Batteries and Chargers
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Email: joseph.beck@sandvik.com
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Sandvik Group
Sandvik is a global, high-tech engineering group providing solutions that enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability for the manufacturing, mining and infrastructure industries. We are at the forefront of digitalization and focus on optimizing our customers’ processes. Our world-leading offering includes equipment, tools, services and digital solutions for machining, mining, rock excavation and rock processing. In 2022 the Group had approximately 40,000 employees and revenues of about 112 billion SEK in about 150 countries within continuing operations.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions is a business area within the Sandvik Group and a global leading supplier of equipment and tools, parts, service, digital solutions and sustainability-driving technologies for the mining and construction industries. Application areas include rock drilling, rock cutting, loading and hauling, tunneling and quarrying. In 2022, sales were approximately 57 billion SEK with about 16,200 employees.