Scania Launches ‘Sleipner’: a new 8×4 Tipper EV for the Mining Transport

Scania and LKAB take electrification underground with a 60-tonne heavy tipper, paving the way for fossil-free mining logistics.

A new chapter in electric heavy-duty transport is underway in Malmberget, Sweden, as Scania and mining giant LKAB roll out “Sleipner”, the world’s first fully electric 8×4 tipper truck from Scania, built specifically for the extreme demands of mining operations.

Named after Odin’s eight-legged horse, Sleipner embodies strength and adaptability — and now, sustainability. With its dual steerable front axles and 400 kW electric motor, the vehicle marks a breakthrough in electrifying large-scale mining logistics.

“If it performs as expected, we will have a fully fossil-free solution for transporting waste rock in truly demanding mining operations,”
Peter Gustavsson, Electrification Project Manager, LKAB

Designed for Tough Terrain

Sleipner operates on a 5-kilometre route at LKAB’s Malmberget mine, climbing 250 meters in elevation from a chute loading point to a backfilling site. Fully loaded, the truck weighs 60 tonnes, 38 of which is payload.

It is powered by two MP20 battery packs (totaling 416 kWh), driving a 400 kW EM C 1-4 electric motor. Built on Scania’s modular electric platform, the configuration with steerable axles improves maneuverability and stability on uneven surfaces, a necessity in harsh, enclosed mine environments.

This isn’t Scania’s first electric mining truck, a 6×4 version has been in operation at the same site since 2022. But with Sleipner, the Swedish manufacturer is scaling up both power and payload.

Real-World Deployment, Real Emissions Cuts

For LKAB, which transports over 5 million tonnes of waste rock annually, Sleipner isn’t a test — it’s a building block in a broader decarbonization strategy.

The electrification of just one vehicle on this route is expected to reduce diesel consumption significantly and associated CO₂ emissions. Multiplied across an entire fleet, the environmental impact becomes substantial.

“Each new truck we put into operation helps us and our customers understand how to scale electrification across the toughest environments,”
Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner

The Bigger Picture: Electric Vehicles in Mining

A Global Shift Is Underway

Electric mining vehicles are no longer niche. According to IDTechEx, the global market for electric vehicles in mining is projected to grow at a CAGR of 32%, reaching over $23 billion by 2044.

OEMs and mining operators are pushing toward zero-emissions fleets, driven by a mix of ESG targets, cost efficiency, and worker safety.

In recent months:

• BHP and Rio Tinto began trials of electric haul trucks at their Jimblebar iron ore mine in Australia.
• Volvo Trucks deployed electric trucks in collaboration with Boliden to support underground operations.
• Komatsu and Caterpillar are investing heavily in battery-electric prototypes for large-scale surface haulage.

Why Electric Makes Sense for Mining
Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Eliminating diesel exhaust improves air quality in underground and enclosed areas. Lower Maintenance: Electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts and lower wear. Energy Efficiency: EVs can regenerate energy on downhill runs, ideal for back-and-forth mining cycles. Better Working Conditions: Less vibration, noise, and heat improve operator comfort and safety.

Despite progress, large-scale adoption faces several technical hurdles:

Charging Infrastructure: Mines must upgrade or install fast-charging systems to match duty cycles.
Battery Autonomy & Cycle Life: Heavy loads, steep gradients, and extreme temperatures test battery durability.
High CAPEX: Electric trucks still cost significantly more upfront than diesel equivalents.
Scalability: Going from pilot trucks to full fleet electrification requires substantial system-level planning.

Scania’s Strategy: Modular Electrification, Real-World Pilots

With Sleipner, Scania is showing how custom modular EV platforms can be adapted for highly specific environments.

This approach allows quicker testing, iteration, and deployment with partners like LKAB, and potentially positions Scania as a strong player in mining electrification, a space where few traditional truck OEMs are currently operating at scale.

The next phase? Proving reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness over time and across more demanding routes.

Scania Launches ‘Sleipner’: a new 8×4 Tipper EV for the Mining Transport published on The HeavyQuip Magazine.