Kassel/Heringen (dpa/lhe) - The Kassel-based fertilizer and salt company K S is testing the use of e-mobility in its German mines. According to the company, a corresponding project is running in eastern Hesse. KS announced on Wednesday that the Hattorf-Wintershall pit of the Werra network is currently being tested not only for everyday suitability and the range of the vehicles, but also for the suitability of the charging infrastructure and safety underground. In the long term, electric vehicles will replace the previously diesel-powered vehicles in all K S mines.
"Electric vehicle operation in a mine presents special challenges," explained Lars Rickfelder, head of underground technology in the central mining department, according to the announcement. Due to the general conditions such as high ambient temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius, uneven roads and steep inclines, all vehicles must have good off-road mobility. This is also reflected in the power consumption.
According to K S, many of the off-road vehicles and pick-ups are on the road all day in multiple shifts, covering up to 100 kilometers per shift. They can only be charged for a short time in between, although charging facilities cannot be made available everywhere in the mines. According to the information, the small electric fleet for craftsmen and district supervisors includes six pick-ups and a small van.
The Werra network with almost 4,400 employees includes the Hessian sites Hattorf in Philippsthal and Wintershall in Heringen (both in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district) as well as the Thuringian sites in Unterbreizbach and Merkers (both in the Wartburg district). K S employs around 11,000 people worldwide.
