Chinese firm advances electric, hybrid drive for heavy machinery


Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion has unveiled five new-energy technology achievements spanning construction, mining, and agricultural machinery, as the company accelerates its shift toward low-emission heavy equipment.

The technologies were recognized during Zoomlion’s seventh Science and Technology Innovation Conference on June 16 and include hybrid power systems, electric-drive technologies, intelligent controls, and a patent portfolio for high-horsepower hybrid tractors.

Among the developments is what the company says is the world’s largest 300-ton electric-drive hybrid mining truck, alongside technologies for distributed electric drives in mobile cranes and series-hybrid, all-electric-drive systems for combine harvesters.

The latest technologies are part of Zoomlion’s broader strategy to expand its portfolio of battery-electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell-powered machinery for industries ranging from construction to agriculture and mining.

Expanding clean machinery

Zoomlion said it has established a dedicated new-energy technology platform that develops electric-drive architectures, core components, and vehicle control systems for its equipment.

The company now offers about 240 new-energy products after developing nearly 60 new models during 2025. Its portfolio includes battery-electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell machines, along with battery-swapping and plug-in charging solutions.

According to the company, it also develops key technologies in-house, including lithium batteries, electric motors, control systems, and hydrogen fuel cells, allowing it to support complete equipment solutions across multiple industries.

One example is its hybrid agricultural machinery. Zoomlion said its hybrid wheat harvester reduces fuel consumption by about 30%, while its hybrid tractor delivers fuel savings of around 8% through improved energy management.

Mining trucks advance

The company has also introduced chassis-by-wire technology for unmanned mining trucks. The system uses a three-level braking architecture that combines retarder braking, electric braking, and mechanical braking to improve safety during operation under demanding mining conditions.

Other recognized technologies include distributed electric-drive systems for mobile cranes and intelligent control technologies for large equipment, reflecting the company’s push toward smarter heavy machinery.

“For our team, this recognition is both a validation of the engineers’ work and an encouragement to keep going,” said Ou Biao, Director of the Vehicle Control Institute at Zoomlion New Energy Technology Company.

“Developing new-energy products requires repeated field testing in mines, farmland, and other demanding operating environments.” He added: “These honors motivate us to stay close to customer needs and keep pushing through difficult technical challenges.”

Zoomlion said it plans to continue expanding its portfolio of new-energy equipment while working more closely with customers in global markets to develop machines suited to local operating requirements.



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