Electric equipment from Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (XCMG), a leading Chinese multinational and the third largest manufacturer of construction machinery globally, is now available with an innovative interchangeable battery swap technology. This new system allows heavy trucks and construction equipment to replace their 400 kWh BYD-developed battery packs in a swift three minutes, providing the capability to recharge as quickly as conventional diesel engines.
The introduction of this battery-swap technology positions XCMG as a potential frontrunner in the heavy-duty electric vehicle (HDEV) market. Notably, the technology extends beyond off-highway vehicles and is expected to be incorporated into on-road trucks as well.
XCMG showcased its latest advancements at the Bauma China trade fair last month, presenting models including the updated ZNK95 electric autonomous haul truck. This vehicle boasts an 85-ton capacity and features a fully cab-less design, eliminating the need for an operator on board. An impressive permanent magnet synchronous electric drive system empowers the ZNK95 with outputs of 800 kW (1070 hp) and 22,000 Nm (16,200 lb-ft) of torque, although the focus of this design is primarily to enhance safety by keeping human operators away from hazardous environments.
The ZNK95 series is engineered to function effectively in extreme conditions, such as high-altitude sites and temperatures plunging as low as -40°C. XCMG has equipped this autonomous truck with a sophisticated driving system that integrates multiple advanced technologies. These include environmental perception, strategic decision-making, vehicle control, and communication capabilities, all consolidated into a comprehensive monitoring dashboard for fleet managers. This innovative approach also allows for real-time diagnostics of individual vehicles, enabling preemptive maintenance before any breakdowns occur in the field—an essential feature for remote mining operations.
Currently, the ZNK95 is in operation at a large open-pit mine located in Inner Mongolia, China. This site has adopted an entire suite of unmanned and electrified equipment solutions from XCMG, effectively aiming to diminish carbon emissions by 149,000 tons annually once the full fleet is operational by 2026.
In the broader context of electric vehicle development, XCMG’s swappable battery technology demonstrates notable advancement, a fact underscored by its implementation without extensive promotional efforts at industry events such as Bauma. The company’s first deliveries of the battery-swap capable MDEVs (XCMG’s new XG2 EX630S cabovers) have already exceeded 1,500 units distributed to customers across China ahead of their official public reveal.
Ross Linton, the owner and President of Etrucks New Zealand, remarked to Electrek on XCMG's prominence at the trade fair, stating, “XCMG are by far the dominant EV exhibitor at Bauma Shanghai. Here a truck crane solution to swap construction machine batteries.”
Looking forward, XCMG sets a challenging benchmark for competitors in the sector. Major industry players like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Volvo are expected to showcase their respective innovations at the upcoming CES, focusing on developments in remote and autonomous technologies. However, they may not match XCMG's practical and readily implemented battery-swap solutions, leaving them in a position of needing to catch up in the rapidly evolving landscape of electrification in heavy machinery.
Source: Noah Wire Services