The LH518B has been designed, ground-up, entirely around the Artisan battery system and electric driveline.

It was not enough to replace some components or redesign only a part of the equipment, the designers were compelled to rethink the whole machine.

In addition to the redesigned boom and bucket system, the LH518B features independent front and rear drivetrains, allowing high payload capacity while keeping a low overall height.

It is equipped with three 2000 Newton metre permanent magnet motors.

There is no torque converter, transmission or engine to rev up making for a more agile loader.

There are no emission restrictions based on installed power to limit the electric motor selection. That allows the use of the most powerful motors available that are suited for the underground conditions.

The LH518B is equipped with Autoswap, a patented self-swapping system for the Artisan battery pack.

According to Sandvik it takes about six minutes to change the battery with a minimal amount of manual handling and it can be done in a passing bay or old re-muck bay.

There is no need for overhead cranes or external infrastructure.

The Autoconnect feature, available for the first time on the LH518B, is designed to make swapping even easier and faster by automatically connecting and disconnecting the battery pack.

Besides unplugging and plugging in the charger, the operator does not need to leave the cabin.

That saves minutes on the swapping procedure and reduces effort and risk in the swapping process.

The purely battery-powered loader helps reduce heat and emissions underground, which can help mines reach their sustainability targets and reduce ventilation costs.

The battery pack uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry and is purpose-designed for use in underground mining.

Sandvik is expanding its battery electric vehicle loader and truck offering and preparing to enter new market areas, which will happen in phases and model by model.