Global mining company Anglo American has launched a project to develop the world's largest hydrogen fuel cell electric mining dumptruck.
It has engaged Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) to develop the ultra-class fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) as part of its FutureSmart Mining programme.
It aims to use innovation and technological advances to address mining's major sustainability challenges and help it achieve its target of reducing its global greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in the next 10 years.
The haul truck will be powered by a hydrogen fuel cell module, paired with a WAE scalable high-power modular lithium-ion battery system. The replacement for the dumptruck's usual diesel engine is controlled by a high-voltage power distribution unit delivering in excess of 1000 kWh of energy storage.
The power units will be designed and built at WAE in England and integrated into an existing haul truck, with testing taking place later this year at Anglo American's flagship platinum group metals mine in South Africa.
Regenerative braking will see the battery system recover energy as the haul truck travels downhill. 
WAE is drawing on its experience as the sole battery supplier to the global Formula E electric motorsport series for four seasons and next year's FIA Extreme E racing programme.