CanmetMINING battery electric vehicle field test series: Rokion R400 utility vehicle — surface

ABSTRACTIn alignment with Canada’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are being introduced into mining to replace conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, which will help improve energy efficiency and reduce heat contributions and emissions to the mining environment. Further understanding of BEV technology and performance under different work conditions is essential to design a new mine or transform an existing fossil-fuel-based fleet into an electric mine. The Rokion R400 utility BEV was tested at a mine site in Ontario, Canada, on a test route comprising 10 sections of various grades: flat (0%), 5%, 10%, and 20% inclination. The BEV was driven 1.25 km in two directions (2.5 km lap) at two loads (half-full and full) and two speeds (5 and 15 km/h). The test plan included multiple laps for each load and speed. This paper presents the normalized results of the test in terms of energy consumption and generation tabulated by inclination grade, speed, and load, which ranged from 6.4 kWh/km to −2.7 kWh/km. The battery state of charge and the charging data are also presented to complete the BEV energy balance.