EPCA advancing mining electrification

Electric Power Conversions Australia (EPCA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ABB to deploy full battery electric retrofit solutions for mining trucks.

ABB is a Switzerland-based leading global technology company and together the companies will deliver retrofit solutions for conventionally powered trucks for mid-sized haul trucks with capacities of 100-150t.

This collaboration represents a significant milestone for EPCA as it scales its retrofit technology beyond demonstration and into broader deployment. It reflects the alignment between EPCA’s hands-on expertise in mining truck electrification and ABB’s global capabilities in electrification and industrial systems integration.

Under the agreement, ABB will supply key electrification hardware, including electric motors, drives, batteries, thermal management systems and charging infrastructure.

The company will also offer engineering support with simulation, documentation and compliance as well as remote monitoring, diagnostic and predictive maintenance solutions to optimise the cost of the retrofit solution.

EPCA, as per the agreement, will provide engineering design, mechanical integration, testing and commissioning of the solution. The company will deploy site-based engineering teams for technology implementation and customer support as well as engage both mining operators and Indigenous businesses as part of the MoU.

The collaboration will combine ABB’s global expertise in electrification and EPCA’s local integration and site execution capabilities to deliver solutions tailored to mining customers’ operational and financial requirements.

EPCA has already retrofitted a 100t payload battery-electric mining truck in the form of its E-777D, a vehicle leveraging a CAT 777D chassis. This machine combines proven mining design with a powerful zero-emission electric drivetrain, with EPCA stating that it can run for 12 hours using opportunity charging during operator breaks, can be fast charged in 30 minutes and offers 46% more power than its diesel counterpart.

ABB has also been involved in battery-electric retrofits, including the retrofit conversion of a Nuh Cement-owned diesel-fuelled Euclid R85B haul truck into a fully electric, zero-emission vehicle.

EPCA has also signed an exclusive agreement with Janus Electric, making EPCA the sole converter of Janus electric road trucks across WA.

With EPCA converting heavy mining machinery to electric and Janus Electric transforming on-road trucks into battery-electric vehicles, both companies share a common mission — achieving a 100% carbon-free transport future for Australia.

This partnership brings together two Australian innovators sharing the same commitment to engineering-led innovation, zero-emission goals and delivering real-world electrification solutions for mining and transport fleets across WA and beyond.

EPCA built their reputation in proven heavy-duty conversions with its flagship E-777D, a fully electric 100t mining truck, and is now translating those skills to road trucks.

The company thoroughly tested their electric mining truck at Bakers Hill, just outside Perth, achieving an eight-hour runtime, 50 minutes charge, and 14% more power than the diesel version.

Under the agreement, EPCA will handle sales, conversions, servicing and maintenance of Janus trucks across WA.

EPCA founder and chief engineer Clayton Franklin says using EPCA’s capabilities, Janus will reduce transport costs and allow for faster deployment to its WA clients.

“There are many logistics companies throughout WA that can benefit from the reduced costs of operating an electric fleet,” he said.