With the increasing and significant benefits of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), many mining companies are eager to convert from diesel-powered mining machines. On Sept. 13, Swedish manufacturer of mining and infrastructure equipment, Epiroc, announced it will acquire the business and assets of FVT Research Inc., a Canadian company that integrates battery-powered drive systems into new and rebuilt mining equipment.

A Vancouver-based company, FVT Research supports vehicles across 140 countries and has been part of Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program, which invests in clean technology research and development projects in the country’s energy, mining and forest sectors. In February 2021, the company received $2 million from the program to help develop a 14-tonne BEV for underground mining.

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The battery packs designed by FVT can be cycled up to 5,000 times to 80 per cent depth of discharge and are predicted to outlast the vehicles themselves. FVT can supply batteries and conversions for rebuilt machines or new machines through Epiroc, Clayton Locomotives, Total Equipment Services (TES), Kubota and several others.

The finalization of the deal is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO said, “Bringing the strong team at FVT Research into the Epiroc Group fits perfectly into our strategy to provide emissions-free battery electric vehicles.” 

“Our customers are increasingly discovering the significant benefits that come with using battery electric vehicles, and FVT Research’s technical expertise and competence will be key assets for Epiroc as we continue to provide more solutions in this area.”