Fortescue to build and test world’s most powerful electric fast charger

Iron ore miner Fortescue has been awarded $A10 million in government funding to develop the massive 6 megawatt (MW) fast charger units that will be used for the hundreds of massive 240 tonne haul trucks it has agreed to buy in a landmark $4 billion deal.

The 6 MW fast charger – which would be by far the most powerful in the world – is already under development by Fortescue Zero, its technology arm, and the $10 million from The Australian Renewable Energy Agency will support the building, testing and validation of multiple test units before full production begins late next year.

The mention of the 6 MW fast chargers stunned the EV world when it was announced at a mining expo in September because it is twice as big as the 3 MW prototype that had been built, and significantly bigger than any other electric truck charger to date.

In a statement on Tuesday, Fortescue said the 6MW fast charger will be compatible with a wide range of battery electric heavy mining equipment and designed to meet all operational requirements.

“As part of our decarbonisation plan, we intend to roll out around 250 fast chargers of varying capacities across our iron ore operations before the end of this decade,” Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto said.

“Not only will this project serve as a catalyst for demand from external heavy industry customers, but it will also enable a significant reduction in emissions.”

Fortescue aims to reach “real zero” terrestrial emissions for its operations at its giant Pilbara mines, which means ceasing the burning of fossil fuels for power generation, transport and mining operations by the end of the decade.

Fortescue Zero CEO Ellie Coates, says the new chargers are being developed for the challenging conditions of the Pilbara, and will be equipped with robotic connection options.

Both charger test and early production units will be assembled and undergo factory acceptance testing at Fortescue Zero’s Research and Development facility in Perth prior to their deployment on site.

The facility was visited on Tuesday by assistant minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, who said: “Heavy haulage trucks are integral to the function of Western Australia’s mining operations but at present are reliant on fossil fuels, which means unwanted pollution, cost volatility, and energy insecurity.”