Propel Industries Private Limited took center stage at EXCON 2023, introducing two electric dump trucks, 470 MEV and 470 HEV, with gross vehicle weights of 45 and 60, designed and manufactured in India. The Managing Director, V. Senthilkumar, in a conversation with Rajesh Rajgor, highlighted the company’s 60-year evolution and emphasized their entry into electric trucks to address charging infrastructure gaps in mining. The trucks offer flexible battery pack options, 4 to 8-hour runtime, and rapid 0-100% SOC charging in just 1 hour. Key features include customizable battery packs, substantial fuel cost savings, and advanced safety measures. Propel Industries plans to expand its electric truck range for on-road applications in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024.
At EXCON 2023, Propel Industries Private Limited unveiled two electric dump trucks, 470 MEV and 470 HEV, with gross vehicle weights of 45 and 60, designed and manufactured in India. V. Senthilkumar, Managing Director of Propel Industries, emphasized the company’s evolution, stating, “Our story started 60 years back as a component manufacturer, and today, Propel is a market leader in the Indian mining sector.” The company’s entry into electric trucks stemmed from the idea of providing charging infrastructure to mining, addressing the lack of such facilities at that time. After four years of development and two years of testing in 50 mines, the trucks received positive responses from customers, with repeat purchases boosting confidence.
Senthilkumar elaborated on the trucks’ specifications, emphasizing flexibility in battery pack selection (171 to 450 kWh) based on mining needs. The trucks offer a 4 to 8-hour runtime, with quick 0-100% SOC charging in just 1 hour. He emphasized the encouraging return on investment for customers opting for larger batteries and continuous operation, stating, “In mining, the more you run, the better the ROI. We encourage our customers to have bigger batteries and run them continuously.”
Key features of the trucks include customizable battery packs ranging from 171 to 450 kWh, offering flexibility and application specificity. The trucks promise 6 to 12 hours of driving time on a single charge, with rapid 0-100% SOC charging in 1 hour. “Propel’s EV trucks present substantial fuel cost savings, with running costs significantly lower than fossil fuel trucks. Lithium batteries with a chilled cooling system ensure optimal performance even in harsh conditions, supported by safety features like Automatic fire extinguisher and Leakage Current detection. The trucks come with a 5-year or 4000 cycles battery warranty, and industry-leading safety and comfort features,” Senthilkumar revealed.
Addressing the infrastructure challenge, Senthilkumar stated, “In mining, our equipment ranges from 500 kW to 2-3 megawatts, ensuring our infrastructure is already available in the field.” Customer trials involved their drivers and materials, allowing for free testing and feedback. The air-suspended cabins and auto gear received positive remarks, reinforcing Propel’s commitment to delivering a superior product. Reflecting on customer feedback, Senthilkumar shared a driver’s sentiment, “I feel like a flower after experiencing enhanced well-being during operations.”
In terms of business overview, Senthilkumar expressed confidence in the market recognizing Indian products’ quality, technology, and the company’s position as a leader in launching innovative products. He noted, “The future belongs to those who offer a good product; we believe that launching all these products and becoming the leader today will secure our place in the market.” The focus on good products aligns with their belief that superior offerings will capture the market and drive the company’s success.
Regarding their pan-India network and customer support, Propel Industries has a robust network with 150 service engineers placed across India. These engineers are trained not only in servicing conventional equipment but also in handling the newly introduced electric vehicles. Senthilkumar assured that the service will be efficiently delivered on-site at the mines, emphasizing their commitment to customer satisfaction. He stated, “Service will happen on the mine,” highlighting the company’s dedication to providing comprehensive support directly where it matters most for their customers.
Propel Industries plans to expand its electric truck range for on-road applications in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, currently undergoing homologation for roadworthiness. The launch event, graced by Minister Nitin Gadkari, reinforces Propel’s market leadership in the mining sector and aligns with their commitment to innovation, environment, and sustainability in infrastructure development.