SANY has launched the SKT145Ei, a fully electric mining truck designed for autonomous operation in open-pit mines. With no cab or driver, it can haul up to 90 tons and is equipped with a powerful 801 kWh battery. The vehicle is already working as part of an automated fleet.
The SKT145Ei, SANY's latest electric mining truck, is now in active use within autonomous fleets at open-pit mining sites. Unlike traditional models, this vehicle is built without a cab or driver’s seat, relying entirely on advanced sensors and electronic systems to navigate and operate.
With a maximum load capacity of 90 tons, the SKT145Ei is powered by an 801 kWh battery, delivering up to 990 horsepower and 2,300 Nm of torque. The absence of a cab has allowed SANY engineers to redesign the truck’s front end, concentrating all critical electronics and sensors into a compact structure. This not only eliminates the need for steering wheels, pedals, and dashboards, but also shortens the overall length of the vehicle, making it easier to maneuver through narrow mining roads.
Designed for Autonomy
Unlike retrofitted autonomous trucks, which often retain unnecessary components from their manual origins, the SKT145Ei was conceived from the ground up for driverless operation. This approach has enabled a more flexible placement of sensors and control units, simplifying inspection and maintenance tasks. According to Zhang Long, head of SANY Intelligent Mining Solution, the cabless platform is optimized for the unique demands of autonomous mining routes.
Fleet Coordination and Safety
The SKT145Ei does not operate in isolation. It is integrated into a fleet management system capable of coordinating multiple autonomous trucks simultaneously. Each vehicle receives precise route instructions, adjusts its speed, and maintains safe distances from other machines. The system’s sensors continuously monitor for obstacles or unexpected changes along the route, allowing the truck to react automatically. Remote supervision and intervention are also possible if needed.
These trucks are intended exclusively for controlled environments such as open-pit mines, where routes are well-defined and access is restricted. By removing the need for a human driver, SANY aims to reduce worker exposure to hazardous conditions, including heavy machinery, dust, and vibrations. The company also notes that mining operations require strict safety protocols, which autonomous systems can help enforce.
Electric Power and Efficiency
The SKT145Ei’s 801 kWh battery is designed to power the truck through demanding industrial cycles. While SANY has not disclosed the vehicle’s total weight, empty mass, or operational range, the company highlights the benefits of electric propulsion: zero direct emissions, fewer moving parts subject to wear, and potentially lower operating costs. The shift to electric and automated mining vehicles is expected to increase demand for specialists in high-voltage electrical systems and vehicle electromechanics.
Operational efficiency is further enhanced by the absence of a driver, allowing for longer working periods. However, actual uptime will depend on factors such as charging schedules, maintenance, mine planning, and route conditions. SANY has not yet provided detailed technical specifications regarding battery life, charging times, or maximum speed.
Deployment and Industry Impact
SANY describes the SKT145Ei as its first fully electric, fully autonomous mining truck. The company reports that its intelligent mining solutions are already deployed in over 20 large open-pit mines, managing thousands of pieces of equipment. While the SKT145Ei has moved beyond the conceptual stage, a complete technical datasheet has not yet been released.
The introduction of the SKT145Ei marks a significant step in the convergence of electrification, automation, and the removal of human-centric design elements in industrial transport. The cabless architecture is not merely an aesthetic choice, but a functional shift toward machines built exclusively for autonomous operation.
As the mining industry continues to evolve, vehicles like the SKT145Ei may signal a broader transformation in how heavy materials are moved, with implications for safety, efficiency, and workforce skills. According to information released by SANY, further details about the truck and its performance are expected as deployment expands.
