Longking's Electric Mining Truck: 230 Ton Capacity

China has unveiled a monumental engineering feat: a 350-ton electric mining truck. Launched in Longyan, Fujian province this truck has no diesel in sight. It is the ZL230E from Zijin Longqing. The mining truck is fully electric. This truck is the largest of its kind in China, designed to carry 230 tons of rock per trip.

The muscle behind electric mining

The ZL230E is built to challenge what heavy equipment used to be. Powered by two 800 kW motors on each rear axle, the truck doesn't see a drop of diesel. Real-time power distribution ensures stability even on inclines, with a grip like an experienced mountain climber. The truck can carry 230 tons - 120 tons in unloaded state. This is equivalent to roughly 125 cubic meters of ore. This is similar to the volume of two shipping containers. The battery itself, unsurprisingly, is immense — 1,400 kWh. This is equivalent to around 15 long-range electric cars stacked up. it charges fast for a giant vehicle. It goes from 10% to 90% in just 25 minutes.

More than a one trick pony

The ZL230E solves fundamental problems for miners. It’s not just about keeping up with diesel trucks; It’s about energy savings, efficiency, and safety. The ZL230E uses over 17% less energy than comparable models. It outpaces many of its competitors, shifting more than 2,000 tons a day each. The truck stays operational more than 90% of the time. From a business perspective, this means lower energy costs, higher productivity, and fewer downtimes. What's more, the electric mining trucks are 28% faster in terms of trip duration. This is probably due to the vehicle's energy usage. This means they are more efficient, in terms of where they have to go. They don't have to wait around for fuel refills like their diesel counterparts, and while it can reach a maximum speed of 39km/h. Electric trucks are also quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. This reduces noise pollution in the mine. The trucks are also cleaner, so they reduce the air pollution in the mine. This will lead to safer working conditions.

Unparalleled power management

To get a picture of the ZL230E's power management. One look at its charging specs show it’s built for demanding conditions. The battery charges at a rate comparable to a fast charger for a Tesla. In a mine, fast charging is far more important than range.

Taking autonomy to the next level

But the innovative features of the ZL230E don’t stop at its power management. Longking’s collaboration with EACON is designed to fully automate the operation. This eliminates the need for a driver. The collaboration has signed off on the next step. The process will involve fully autonomous operation of the truck.

Big truck, big value

What makes the ZL230E stand out in the mining industry isn’t just its specs. The truck’s value lies in its transformative potential. It not only carries heavy loads but also carries the mining industry into a new era of efficiency and sustainability. Chinese mining is now transitioning to electric vehicles. This will improve safety and productivity in mines.

It really might be the future

The ZL230E offers a promising glimpse into the future of mining. As the industry increasingly looks towards sustainability and automation, the ZL230E stands as a beacon. This innovative truck is ready to change the landscape of heavy-duty transportation, making mining operations more efficient, safer, and eco-friendly. The company Longking has designed the truck. It also has plans to remove the need for a driver. The truck will be autonomous. The Eacon 097F truck is the only thing rated higher in tonnes than the ZL230E. But the ZL230E is faster, lighter and more efficient.