#Sweden #Scania #LKAB #Sleipner #Malmberget

Scania and LKAB’s Innovative Journey: The Electric Heavy Tipper Truck

In an impressive step forward for sustainable mining operations, Scania has intensified its collaboration with LKAB, a leading mining company, to electrify transport solutions. The introduction of the first fully electric 8x4 heavy tipper truck, named 'Sleipner', showcases the companies' commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility within the mining sector.

A Journey of Electrification

This new 8x4 heavy tipper truck is designed specifically for demanding mining conditions. It features two steerable front axles, enhancing maneuverability on challenging mine roads. The vehicle is not only innovative in its design but also powerful enough to bear substantial loads, symbolizing resilience against the rigors of hard labor in mining contexts.

Nicknamed after Odin's legendary eight-legged horse, Sleipner embodies strength and reliability. It has now begun operations at LKAB's Malmberget mine in northern Sweden. Project Manager for Electrification of Mobile Machines at LKAB, Peter Gustavsson, states, "If it performs as expected, we will have a fully fossil-free solution for transporting waste rock in truly demanding mining operations." Given the current logistical requirements, LKAB moves more than 5 million tonnes of waste rock each year, signifying substantial potential CO₂ savings with this electric truck's integration.

Technical Specifications and Benefits

The Sleipner is equipped with cutting-edge technology featuring two MP20 battery packs that cumulatively deliver 416 kWh of power, alongside a 400 kW electric motor. This new generation truck replaces traditional internal-combustion vehicles entirely, setting a remarkable precedent in the industry. With a fully loaded weight of 60 tonnes, including a payload of 38 tonnes, it demonstrates how Scania’s electric solutions meet the rigorous demands of heavy mining tasks.

Scania’s previous model, the fully electric 6x4 heavy tipper, which has been operational since 2022, laid the groundwork for the development of Sleipner. Both vehicles have undergone rigorous testing combined with feedback from adaptive partners, such as LKAB, committed to understanding and refining electric solutions under real-world conditions.

Future of Mining Vehicles

Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner, emphasizes how ongoing partnerships are critical for innovation: "Each new truck we put into operation helps us and our customers understand how to scale electrification across the toughest environments. This vehicle is just the start of many more mining solutions to come." The collaboration aims not only to enhance the vehicle's capabilities but to improve the overall sustainability of mining operations.

The Sleipner not only sets a benchmark for electric mining trucks but also marks a strategic move towards a greener future in industrial operations. Partners from various sectors can learn from this approach to accelerate their own transitions towards electric solutions.

As mining operations evolve, the demand for improved performance combined with environmental accountability grows. Scania and LKAB revisit this narrative with their remarkable electric truck and pioneer efforts to define electrification in the mining industry.

For further insights into this revolutionary shift, Scania encourages interested parties to explore their dedicated page on electrification efforts.