Caterpillar has introduced the first of its next-generation CAT 793 XE Early Learner battery electric trucks, equipped with a massive 240-ton payload, at Newmont’s Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Teller County, Colorado. This deployment marks a significant milestone in Caterpillar’s Early Learner electric vehicle program.
The announcement follows the unveiling of Caterpillar’s new battery electric Large Mining Truck line, with Newmont’s CC&V mine selected as a key testing and validation site for the initial seven CAT 793 XE Early Learner haul trucks. This production phase is pivotal, following the demonstration of Caterpillar’s first battery electric 793 prototype in November 2022, which was subsequently deployed at Vale’s operations in Brazil earlier this year.
Brian Weller, Caterpillar’s Vice President, highlighted the rapid progress of the Early Learner program, stating, “In less than two years, we went from retrofitting an existing piece of equipment at our proving ground to designing a ruggedized solution ready for validation at our customers’ sites.” He noted that nearly every aspect of the powertrain has been enhanced while maintaining the reliable components of the CAT 793 model. “With these changes, we still have learning to do with our customers in real-world applications,” Weller added.
The next phase of the Early Learner program aims to integrate multiple electrified trucks at a single site with remote operators, testing the synergy between a battery electric fleet and Caterpillar’s existing autonomous and fleet management systems.
Newmont has established a strategic alliance with Caterpillar, signed in 2021, focused on achieving a fully connected, automated, zero-carbon-emitting mining operation by 2050. This partnership seeks to enhance operational efficiency while reducing downtime and operating costs, aligning with broader sustainability goals in the mining industry.
