PROJECT

Designing a Robust Underground Utility Vehicle

Customer: Kovatera – Canada

About The Project

Kovatera, a pioneer in mining utility vehicles, sought to capitalize on the popularity of its diesel fleet with battery-electric models. The goal was to sell vehicles that improve health and safety underground, and align with industry sustainability goals, all while meeting the rigorous demands of top-tier mining companies.

Challenges

Tackling the competition: Delivering a robust electric vehicle that could compete with established brands
All the bells and whistles: Building a full-featured vehicle that ticked all the boxes of the biggest mining companies
Keeping costs down: Tackling cost efficiency without compromising on features

Solution

After a less-than-successful effort with another integrator, Kovatera partnered with MEDATech for its advanced AltDrive powertrain and reputation for collaboration. The first project was completing the UT 150 EMV (now the the KT200e). Kovatera and MEDATech then moved onto designing and building out the more advanced, high-voltage KT300e.

The collaboration prioritized:

Integration of advanced features: These included full-size brake resistors, robust liquid-cooled systems and a high-voltage battery configuration.
Iterative improvement: Regular collaboration between MEDATech and Kovatera to optimize cost without compromising quality, as well as continuous feature improvement. This becomes easier as the global battery-electric component offering continues to evolve.

Results

The KT300e continues to set the standard for electric mining utility vehicles:

Proven longevity: Units have been in operation since 2018 with customers like Vale and Glencore, highlighting reliability and performance.
Market adoption: Over a dozen vehicles in operation and in production, with increased quoting activity signaling growing interest.
ESG alignment: Vehicles support mining companies’ environmental and sustainability mandates, driving adoption among top-tier operators.
Performance advantages: As an example, the integration of full-size brake resistors give vehicles infinite down-ramp charge-free operation.

Now in our 9th year of working together, MEDATech and Kovatera’s engineering team continue
to improve the KT300e as well as the company’s other offerings.