MacLean Engineering has selected Scania Industrial Batteries as its preferred battery supplier to accelerate the deployment of electric mining equipment across its underground product portfolio. The partnership will see Scania’s Core 800 battery systems integrated into MacLean’s battery-electric vehicles, supporting mining companies seeking safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations.
The agreement follows a global evaluation process that assessed battery technologies for performance, safety, regulatory compliance and long-term product support. According to MacLean, the selection reflects growing demand for reliable battery-electric solutions capable of meeting the operational requirements of modern underground mines.
Partnership Supports Underground Electrification
MacLean chose Scania after evaluating multiple suppliers against technical performance, system integration, maintenance requirements and lifecycle support. A key consideration was battery safety, including designs that reduce arc-flash incident energy to improve maintenance conditions in underground environments.
“Our customers depend on us to provide equipment solutions that are safe, productive and built for the future,” said Kevin MacLean, CEO of MacLean Engineering. He added that Scania’s technical expertise, collaborative approach and transparency distinguished the company throughout the selection process.
The partnership expands MacLean’s capability to deliver electric mining equipment that enables mining operators to reduce diesel dependence while maintaining productivity in demanding underground applications.
Battery Technology Designed for Mining Operations
Scania’s Core 800 industrial battery packs are engineered for heavy-duty off-highway equipment, including underground mining vehicles, loaders and production support machines. Each battery delivers 97 kilowatt-hours of installed energy at a nominal voltage of 691 volts and incorporates advanced thermal management alongside an integrated battery management system.
Scania has deployed more than 2,000 battery systems across mining operations worldwide. Its modular battery platform supports powertrains ranging from 400 to 800 volts, with energy capacities between 21 and 768 kilowatt-hours, allowing manufacturers to configure systems for different equipment sizes and duty cycles.
“Electrification in demanding off-road applications places exceptionally high requirements on safety, reliability and system integration,” said Elin Åkerström, Managing Director of Scania Industrial Batteries. She noted that the company will leverage its experience in electrified powertrains to support customers transitioning towards zero-emission operations.
Electric Mining Equipment Delivers Operational Benefits
The adoption of electric mining equipment continues to gain momentum as mining companies pursue decarbonisation while improving operational efficiency. Battery-electric vehicles eliminate diesel exhaust emissions, reducing the ventilation requirements that account for a significant share of underground energy consumption.
Lower ventilation demand can reduce operating costs while improving air quality and working conditions for mine personnel. Battery-electric fleets also offer lower maintenance requirements than conventional diesel equipment because they contain fewer moving components and eliminate engine-related servicing.
As more mining companies invest in electrification, equipment manufacturers are increasingly partnering with battery specialists to accelerate the development of integrated battery-electric platforms that meet evolving production and sustainability requirements.
Supporting Long-Term Decarbonisation
The partnership also supports MacLean’s Real Zero 2040 commitment, which aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions across the company’s manufacturing operations while expanding its portfolio of electric mining equipment. The initiative aligns with the wider mining industry’s efforts to reduce emissions through electrification and renewable energy adoption.
MacLean joined Fortescue’s Real Zero initiative during MINExpo 2024, where the companies also announced plans to develop battery-electric surface graders for Fortescue’s mining operations in Western Australia. While separate from the Scania agreement, the initiative highlights the growing industry focus on replacing diesel-powered fleets with battery-electric alternatives.
Although neither company has disclosed deployment schedules or the first vehicle models to receive the Core 800 batteries, the partnership marks another step towards the wider adoption of electric mining equipment across underground mining operations. As electrification becomes a strategic priority for mine operators worldwide, collaborations between equipment manufacturers and battery technology providers are expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing safer, more productive and lower-emission mining fleets.