India’s mining and heavy-transport sector is witnessing a shift towards electric mobility as Propel EV deploys seven 470 HEV electric tippers for coal transportation at a major open-cast coal mine in Chhattisgarh.
The trucks are operating with a coal-haulage contractor, handling demanding mining conditions that include heavy loads, steep ramps, long transport cycles and continuous operations. The deployment highlights the growing potential of electric heavy-duty vehicles in industrial applications traditionally dominated by diesel-powered equipment.
Built for Heavy-Duty Operations
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, while gradeability exceeding 30% supports operations on challenging mine routes.
The vehicle also supports CCS2 fast charging, with a claimed full charging time of approximately 60 minutes using a suitable charger. Regenerative braking, hill-start assistance and dedicated battery safety systems further support its use in demanding environments.
Lower Emissions, Operational Efficiency
According to Propel, each electric tipper can help avoid approximately 120 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually compared with an equivalent diesel vehicle. The electric powertrain also has fewer moving parts and eliminates diesel exhaust emissions at the point of operation.
The latest deployment adds to more than 350 Propel EV trucks operating across mining, cement, energy and metals industries in India.
As businesses increasingly focus on operating costs, productivity and emissions reduction, electric tippers could play a larger role in industrial transportation. Their wider adoption will depend on charging infrastructure, operating requirements and overall lifecycle costs.
The Chhattisgarh deployment marks another development in the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles for India’s mining and infrastructure sectors.
