The electrification of construction, agriculture, and mining (CAM) machines is on the rise, with the battery market for these sectors projected to reach US$8 billion by 2034, according to a new report by IDTechEx. The report, “Battery Markets in Construction, Agriculture & Mining Machines 2024-2034,” delves into the different battery chemistries available to support this shift and examines the benefits and challenges of electrifying CAM machinery.
The electrification of CAM machines brings several advantages, including improved local air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and safer working environments. Though initial costs can be high, the long-term savings on diesel and maintenance make these machines a financially sound investment. Operators also benefit from enhanced system responsiveness, better control, and more straightforward operation.
Large construction machines like excavators, loaders, and mini excavators account for about three-quarters of the market. However, heavy-duty excavators over six tonnes are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for nearly half of the emissions from all construction machinery. While smaller machines like mini excavators are more easily electrified, transitioning larger models remains a crucial goal for emission reductions. In mining, electrification efforts focus on dump trucks, haul trucks, and light vehicles, while in agriculture, tractors lead the way.
Key considerations for electrifying CAM machines include the installation of adequate charging infrastructure on work sites and the machines’ ability to operate through a full workday on a single charge. Additionally, the report highlights a lack of government support and subsidies, which could hinder the adoption of electric machinery due to high upfront costs.
Exploring Battery Options for CAM Machines
Different CAM machines have varying power demands, meaning a one-size-fits-all battery solution is not feasible. Batteries must charge faster than those used in everyday electric vehicles to minimise downtime on work sites. High-silicon content anodes and solid-state electrolytes are among the technologies explored in the report that could offer both high energy density and quick charging capabilities.
The study by IDTechEx, which gathered data from over 200 electric CAM machines, identifies LFP (lithium iron phosphate) and NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) as the leading battery chemistries, given their popularity in the automotive sector. However, newer battery technologies, like lithium titanate (LTO), present opportunities for faster charging without compromising battery longevity. LTO batteries could extend machine lifecycles beyond 10,000 charge cycles, compared to the approximately 5,000 cycles of existing NMC and LFP technologies, offering significant cost advantages for operators.
Solid-State Batteries as a Future Option
IDTechEx also points to solid-state batteries as a promising option for improving the safety and energy density of electric CAM machines. This could be particularly beneficial for equipment like underground loaders and mini excavators, which operate in confined environments. However, challenges remain in manufacturing solid-state batteries, such as achieving thin, high-quality electrolytes and ensuring effective connectivity between electrolytes and electrodes.
The report outlines 10 potential future battery technologies for CAM machines and offers regional insights, noting that Europe and North America currently favour NMC chemistries, while LFP is more prevalent in China. It predicts that Europe and China will be early adopters of LTO batteries. Emerging technologies, such as silicon anodes, solid-state batteries, and sodium-ion batteries, may soon become the preferred options for the diverse range of CAM machines.
IDTechEx’s detailed analysis includes insights on over 40 battery pack manufacturers and assemblers, offering a comprehensive benchmark of their products against various performance indicators.
For more information on this study, IDTechEx provides downloadable sample pages from the “Battery Markets in Construction, Agriculture & Mining Machines 2024-2034” report. Further details on their electric vehicle market research can be found at www.IDTechEx.com/Research/EV.
