Propel EV, the electric mobility division of Propel Industries, has deployed seven 470 HEV electric tippers for coal transportation at one of India’s largest opencast coal mines in Chhattisgarh. The fleet is operating with a coal-haulage contractor, marking a step forward in the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles in mining operations.
Designed for demanding mining environments, the Propel 470 HEV features a 33-cubic-metre U-type coal body and a 385 kWh battery pack. Its 350 kW electric motor delivers peak torque of 2,000 Nm, supporting heavy loads and steep mine ramps. The vehicle also offers gradeability exceeding 30%, making it suitable for challenging haulage routes.
The electric powertrain eliminates diesel exhaust emissions at the point of operation and reduces the number of moving parts compared with conventional diesel trucks. According to Propel, each truck can help avoid approximately 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually compared with an equivalent diesel tipper.
The 470 HEV supports CCS2 fast charging, with a claimed charging time of around 60 minutes for a full charge using a suitable charger. Regenerative braking, hill-start assistance and battery safety systems further support its use in mining environments.
This deployment adds to more than 350 Propel EV trucks operating across mining, cement, energy and metals sectors in India. The project highlights the growing role of electric heavy-duty vehicles in industrial transportation, where operational efficiency and emissions reduction are becoming increasingly important.
