Posted inVehicles, Machinery, PMV

Mammoet converts SPMTs from diesel to electric for world-first heavy transport EV

Mammoet develops retrofit kit to replace diesel engines in the vehicles with electric motors, with each SPMT working the same way as before once converted while becoming zero-emission

by Staff Writer
Mammoet EV modules for SPMTs
Mammoet has developed electric SPMTs that can replace diesel versions to offer zero-emission heavy lifting and moving.

Global heavy lift and transport specialist Mammoet has created a new zero-emission heavy transport vehicle, which can remove the carbon impact of installing large infrastructure such as bridges, wind turbines and power station components. 

Mammoet said the vehicle works by converting existing Self-propelled Modular Transporters – or SPMTs – from diesel to electric power. SPMTs are the workhorse of the heavy moving industry, used in almost every large energy and construction project worldwide.  

Mammoet said the new vehicle shows its strong commitment to energy transition, and to its own sustainability. Fitting new engines in existing SPMT fleets cuts down on both waste and additional construction, compared to purchasing new zero-emission equipment, said the company. 

The new SPMT can eliminate the carbon footprint of site transports. This allows Mammoet’S customers to reduce the impact of large infrastructure projects on surrounding people, businesses and infrastructure. 

According to Mammoet, this solution was part-financed by the DKTI, a Dutch government programme to develop climate technologies and innovations in logistics. 

It worked with a leading provider of zero emission powertrains for heavy industry to bring the electric power pack solution to market.  

Developed by Mammoet in 1984 and with over 40,000 axle lines in use globally, the SPMT, or Self-propelled Modular Transporter, revolutionised heavy industry by moving any heavy load safely, efficiently and with precision.  

Mammoet develops retrofits kits

Mammoet said it developed a retrofit kit to replace diesel engines in the vehicles with electric motors. Once converted, each SPMT works in the same way as before: transporting objects up to thousands of tonnes at walking pace, using a remote control.  

It reduces noise levels at project sites, making working conditions quieter and safer. Communication between staff is clearer, while work can take place for longer at sites with sound restrictions.  

Mammoet said the next step in its story will be just as significant, reducing its CO2 and NOx emissions to nil and pointing the way towards a sustainable future for heavy transport.