dannoGB68 t1_ixl83s2 wrote
Makes sense. It doesn’t travel far from the charger and massive battery weight isn’t a problem since it only operates off-road.
cat_prophecy t1_ixn9gfv wrote
The weight reduction just from not having engine oil and fuel is significant.
A Komatsu 960E carries about 5 tons of fuel (1400 gallons) and nearly half a ton of oil and lubricants.
CuppaTeaThreesome t1_ixo9d1a wrote
That's an interesting thing to factor in.
AS14K t1_ixoivwi wrote
How much do the batteries in this one weigh, and does it run for the same length of time? 5tons isn't that much compared to the total weight it hauls
IvorTheEngine t1_ixljllp wrote
Yes, not needing to roll out charging infrastructure across the world (or agree one standard) make this much easier than cars.
CuppaTeaThreesome t1_ixo9qql wrote
diesel to hydrogen engine conversion covers the aspect of having no electricity infrastructure close. Also negates charging downtime. JCB make lots already.
IkLms t1_ixocqf5 wrote
These trucks tend to run basically 24/7 though. It's not like they run them for 8 hours and close down for the night.
It's a cool idea but it seems like it's not really going to work. The reason they have trucks so massive is to increase throughput, without buying more trucks.
I'm not sure they'd want to buy extra trucks to sit idle.
I feel like figuring out some sort of easy way to run them off of electrified tracks would make more sense.
FiredForIncompetence t1_ixugder wrote
Depending on where they’re used, they might not need to be charged at all. Like if they load cargo up on a mountain and then drive down. They can charge through regenerative braking. On the way up they’re empty an use less energy.
Human drivers need breaks and these might be enough to charge the trucks.
> easy way to run them off of electrified tracks
Building a train is also an alternative commonly used in mining.
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