The trucks are equipped with 600 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and have been adapted for the demanding conditions found at local mining sites.

The vehicles are headed to a region that plays an important role in connecting the “Maritime Silk Road” with inland Africa and in linking the land and sea routes of the Belt and Road Initiative. The area holds more than half of the world’s copper and cobalt reserves and is widely known as a major source of raw materials.

Mining companies are under growing pressure to control operating costs while reducing emissions. Electric trucks are increasingly being considered for mine haulage as operators look for lower running costs and more efficient transport.

Conditions at the mine sites can be tough. Temperatures remain high throughout the year, while heavy rain, steep grades, sharp bends and dust are common on mine roads. XCMG has made a number of changes to the truck to suit these conditions.

Built for Tough Mining Conditions

The 8×4 electric dump truck uses a 600 kWh high-energy-density LFP battery. According to XCMG, the battery provides enough range for continuous operation across a full mining shift.

The truck’s three electric systems are rated IP68 for protection against dust and water. The electric motor and control system also meet the IP6K9K standard for high-pressure washing, making the vehicle suitable for wet, humid and dusty environments.

The chassis combines a three-layer reinforced frame with a heavy-duty balanced suspension system. Maximum gradeability is 50%, allowing the truck to handle steep sections of mine roads.

An XCMG-developed VCU energy management system adjusts power output according to operating conditions in real time, helping make better use of the available battery power.

XCMG estimates that the electric model cuts energy costs per truck by 48% compared with a diesel truck in the same weight class. Annual maintenance costs are expected to fall by 75%, while overall fleet availability can increase by 5%.

Local Service Support

XCMG has put its service arrangements in place ahead of the truck deliveries.

The company has established a local service network in southern Africa and opened a spare parts warehouse stocked with key electric powertrain components and commonly replaced chassis parts.

For mining equipment that operates under heavy loads, XCMG has introduced its “1528” service commitment. Service requests are answered within 15 minutes, an engineer is dispatched to the site within two hours, and repairs are targeted for completion within eight hours. The service is available 365 days a year.

The local support package also includes operator training, routine inspections and emergency repairs.

Beyond the Truck

The export programme is also part of XCMG’s wider move to combine vehicles with local service and digital fleet management.

Through its e-Lutong fleet management platform, operators can monitor vehicle status, energy consumption and driver behaviour in real time. The system can also flag potential faults in advance, allowing fleet managers to address problems before they disrupt operations.

A customer representative said the XCMG electric dump truck has adapted well to mining conditions and offers a good balance of comfort and safety. The representative also said the truck has delivered better energy consumption and fleet availability than competing brands, adding that the customer was highly satisfied with its performance.

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