Enel X and SQM present the first electric mining truck

Enel X and SQM incorporated the first heavy-duty electric truck in the country into their operations, with the aim of testing its performance on the job and advancing the gradual replacement of diesel vehicles.

"E-Truck" is the first 100% electric truck in large-scale mining.

With the aim of testing its range, work capabilities and operability, Enel X and SQM bring to Chile “E-Truck”, the first electric heavy-duty truck that will provide services to the country's large mining industry.

It is a 28-ton electric truck that will operate between SQM's sites in the Antofagasta Region, for which Enel X will install, together with the mining company, a high-power charger, unique in Chile.

Technical features and environmental benefits of the E-Truck

With a range of 200 kilometers and a weight of 28 tons, Chile's first electric mining truck will operate at SQM's operations in the Antofagasta Region, with the purpose of testing the technology and thus progressively replacing the heavy-duty trucks that run on diesel.

Each electric mining truck of this type can prevent the emission of about 12 tons of CO₂ per year.

The first heavy-duty electric truck to operate in Chile for large-scale mining is a Yutong truck with a 28-ton load capacity, model ZKH5310ZLJP6BEV, with a 422 kWh battery pack.

Planned operation and test routes of the electric truck

The new “E-Truck” is expected to travel routes of 86 kilometers per section, from the Coya Sur plant, located in María Elena, to the port of Tocopilla, with an estimated monthly journey of more than 7.500 kilometers, preventing the emission of approximately 12 tons of CO₂ per year.

The project aims to test the autonomy of electric mining trucks and their operational capabilities to perform at the same level as a diesel mining truck of similar specifications. Additionally, the truck's operation will be validated in conjunction with its high-power charging infrastructure, and how this adapts to the plant's normal operating schedule, its tasks, and its response to the saline environment of the area.

Charging infrastructure and leasing model

Enel X and SQM developed a financial leasing model for the purchase of the electric truck and the installation of a 150 kW charging point that allows a 100% charge in 3 hours.

The charging infrastructure will be installed at the Coya Sur plant in María Elena, guaranteeing a range of approximately 200 kilometers.

SQM's commitment to carbon neutrality

José Miguel Berguño, Vice President of Nitrates Operations at SQM, stated: “This initiative is part of our Corporate Sustainability Plan, which aims, among other environmental goals and commitments, to achieve carbon neutrality for our lithium business by 2030. For us, this is a significant milestone as one of the world's leading lithium producers, a key input for the development of electromobility. This initiative complements others such as the installation of an off-grid electric vehicle charging station at the Carmen Lithium Chemical Plant and the incorporation of mobile electric maintenance workshops, a pioneering initiative in the Chilean mining sector.”

Enel X's contribution to the development of electromobility in Chile

“The addition of the first heavy-duty electric truck for the mining industry represents a new milestone in the development of electromobility in Chile, which we are proud to lead together with our partners at SQM. This step is a fundamental piece in moving towards an increasingly cleaner energy mix, and it also contributes to decarbonizing and electrifying the country's main productive sector,” stated Karla Zapata, General Manager of Enel X Chile.

Project expansion potential

If the project is successful, it would enable the expansion of the initiative by incorporating the Salar de Atacama – Carmen Lithium Chemical Plant route, which is the route with the highest traffic for the lithium process and has 230 trucks in service.

The total potential for replacing diesel trucks with heavy-duty electric trucks at SQM's operations is 320 units, 90 of which correspond to the route of the first truck, which would be carried out within 5 years.

Enel X Smart Charging Solutions

Enel X offers smart charging solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of customers through the implementation of various technologies that enable vehicle batteries to be charged in different formats, speeds, and locations.

These are modular, scalable, turnkey solutions designed for individuals, businesses, institutions, and industries.

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