Fortescue fits out first 240 tonne electric haul truck, and rolls out first 6 MW fast charger

Fortescue has completed the integration of its first 240-tonne electric haul truck with an in-house developed battery electric power system, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ambitious plan to eliminate fossil fuels from its Pilbara iron ore operations by 2030. This battery electric truck, based on the Liebherr T 264 model, is currently undergoing trials in the United States, while the first unit destined for the Pilbara is being prepared in Perth. Alongside this, Fortescue has commenced commissioning of its proprietary 6 megawatt (MW) fast charger, capable of fully recharging the truck’s substantial 2.6 MWh battery in approximately 30 minutes, a development that promises to support the rapid deployment of electric haul trucks across its mining sites. The company’s approach differs from other operators that use pantograph trolley assist systems; although the trial truck is fitted with a roof-mounted pantograph, Fortescue has confirmed it will rely solely on its large battery packs and 6 MW chargers rather than in-motion charging. Warren Harris, Fortescue’s head of delivery, emphasised the engineering challenges overcome in readying such a large electric truck for the harsh Pilbara environment and highlighted the progress as a demonstration that the necessary technology is now viable. The company is also advancing its fleet electrification with 16 electric excavators already in operation, saving significant diesel consumption, and plans to have half of its excavator fleet electric by 2026. Fortescue’s broader decarbonisation strategy includes sourcing electric haul trucks from both Liebherr and China’s XCMG and is supported by the construction of a renewable energy-powered green grid. The firm recently began building a 680 MW solar farm and a 650 MWh, eight-hour battery storage facility, aiming to fully decarbonise its electricity supply by 2028. CEO Dino Otranto underscored the importance of these developments, noting that the integration of the 6 MW fast charger will be instrumental in scaling up the use of battery electric trucks across the Pilbara. The company’s commitment extends beyond equipment to policy advocacy, urging the Australian federal government to cap diesel rebates to encourage wider adoption of electric mining machinery across the industry. Fortescue’s electrification timeline targets full conversion of all mining vehicles and transport by 2030, positioning it as a leader in sustainable mining practices. This initiative not only represents a major step towards reducing the carbon footprint of heavy industry but also sets a precedent for integrating large-scale electric vehicle technology in demanding industrial applications.