Sandvik introduces electric modular platform for Toro™ loaders, trucks at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024
Sandvik is introducing an electric modular platform for its Toro™ underground loaders and trucks at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024. The modular platform approach is expected to meet the diverse needs arising from the ongoing electric transition across Sandvik’s global customer base.
With the modular platform for loaders and trucks, Sandvik aims to increase customer productivity, improve safety and support environmental sustainability while keeping ore moving efficiently. The vast range of customer needs requires agility and a multitude of co-existing technologies, as individual mines are adopting new technologies at varying paces.
The backbone: electric driveline
The backbone of the platform is the electric driveline. Built around it, the modular approach will cover all key machine elements starting from high-level architecture and continuing to the detailed module designs. Practical examples of modules include operator environment, critical steel structures and hydraulic systems, among others. Sandvik’s own BEV battery modules and charging stations complete the ecosystem. Building on the electric platform, Sandvik expects its near-term load and haul offering to feature diesel-electrics, hybrids, battery-electrics, trolley modules and cable-electric solutions. While new innovations are developed, also current conventional diesel technologies will be further developed.
Benefits of the modularity
The modular electric platform will deliver numerous customer benefits. Maximizing new and existing commonalities and utilizing the best proven designs from a half-century of experience will facilitate a smooth transfer from one technology to another. Standardized components will enable efficient parts inventory and similarities in different product variants will facilitate competence management at mine sites. In addition to delivering equipment and parts, Sandvik is committed to supporting its customers with competence building and training throughout their journey.
Load and Haul at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024
Sandvik is showcasing elements of its modular platform at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024, including its 60-plus-ton diesel-electric demonstrator truck based on the industry-leading Toro™ TH663i truck. The demonstrator has served as a test unit in underground environments, and site acceptance tests are expected to start in Q3 2025. Sandvik’s MINExpo showcase truck is equipped with a dump box made with SSAB Zero™ steel. A box made with this steel produces 70 percent fewer cradle-to-gate CO2 emissions than production of a traditional box, while the steel quality is the same. From today, this special steel box is available as an option for Toro™ TH551i and Toro™ TH663i trucks.
As a new concept, Sandvik is presenting a trolley module for a BEV truck. Trolley-electric trucks are expected to be used in large truck applications where the traffic flow is predictable, ramps are long and fleets are big. A timeline for commercial availability is pending customer interest towards testing and adopting the technology.
On the BEV front, Sandvik is showcasing its newest battery module for loaders and trucks, which has 36 percent more energy and runtime compared to the previous version. The module utilizes the same LFP chemistry as the previous versions. Battery deliveries including these new modules will start later this year.
For charging the batteries, Sandvik offers its charging station, also on display at MINExpo, now enhanced with new branding. The charging station is already included in Sandvik’s standard Load and Haul offering.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 24, 2024
For further information, please contact:
Patricio Apablaza
President Load and Haul
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
email: patricio.apablaza@sandvik.com