Holcim Australia Pty Ltd (Holcim), a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, together with Putzmeister Oceania, a trusted provider of high-quality concrete machinery and equipment, is excited to announce their agreement to a trial of the first Australian Design Rules (ADR) approved and road registered 100% electric concrete truck mixer in Australia.

The innovative SANY eMixer, supported by Putzmeister, represents a significant leap forward in the construction industry's journey towards a carbon-neutral construction site. The eMixer has been launched under the SANY brand, supported by Putzmeister.

“At Holcim, our commitment to sustainability is embedded in our core strategy and drives us to continuously improve and innovate. Working in partnership with our suppliers to reduce carbon emissions across our transportation and logistics can go a long way in helping us reach our sustainability goals,” said Cyril Giraud, Head of Sustainability, Holcim Australia and New Zealand.

Behind the scenes, developing the SANY eMixer for Australian Standards

To meet local requirements, Putzmeister Oceania partnered with the experts at Cesco Australia to manufacture an Australian-made mixer structure on a SANY SY408P electric chassis, integrated with locally designed and accepted controls. The outcome – a 100% electric, globally developed, locally manufactured, battery-powered mixer truck.

The SANY eMixer is a specialised vehicle designed to transport concrete from the batching plant to the construction site safely, reliably, and efficiently. By operating 100% electrically, it enables transportation and concrete delivery to be carried out entirely without emissions.

SANY eMixer

SANY eMixer capabilities

The SANY eMixer introduces innovative features that set a new standard in the construction industry. At its core is a powerful 350kWh battery from CATL, a leading global battery manufacturer known for its partnership with industry leaders such as Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

Kevin Peet, Regional Logistics Manager, Concrete Vic/SA, Holcim said, “The performance of the truck and the efficiency of the battery will be tested under the unique operating constraints of ready-mix concrete distribution in metro and urban environments.”

The mixer drum, crafted by Cesco Australia, a renowned local manufacturer of concrete mixers, guarantees high quality and durability, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Charging the SANY eMixer is both flexible and convenient. It can be fully charged overnight with a 30kW charger or rapidly charged in just 3 hours, ensuring it’s always ready for the demands of daily operations.

Meanwhile, the vehicle’s advanced design not only reduces noise levels but also enhances mileage and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban construction projects across Australia.

SANY Concrete & Road Machinery Sales Manager, William Liang says, "The eMixer typically has lower operating costs than its diesel counterparts. It is more energy-efficient and requires less maintenance, which could result in significant cost savings over the vehicle's lifetime. This not only makes it a smart financial choice but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction industry."

Trial insights so far

During the early days of the trial, the SANY eMixer has already demonstrated its impressive capabilities by covering multiple trips from the plant to job sites, completing each day with an average 35% state of charge remaining.

Holcim is the first company to trial the SANY eMixer in Australia. Both parties are closely monitoring the trial's progress to evaluate the potential of the SANY eMixer in contributing to more sustainable operating practices at Holcim.

The SANY eMixer is not just a technological marvel; it is the first road-registered, 100% electric 8x4 mixer in Australia, presenting a milestone in sustainable construction.

SANY eMixer

Chris Bartlett, Head of Construction at Putzmeister Oceania, says, "The development of the SANY eMixer specifically for the Australian market has been a significant investment for Putzmeister Oceania. This project is a key addition to our portfolio of low and zero-emission equipment. We are leading the way in supporting a more sustainable construction industry with the SANY eMixer and the recent introduction of the Putzmeister iONTRON hybrid concrete pump, the first of its kind in the market. Soon, we will add more exciting zero-emission products to our range of SANY and Putzmeister construction equipment, committing to delivering the best solutions, designed, developed, and manufactured specifically for Australian conditions."

Holcim's vision

Holcim, driven by its purpose to build progress for people and the planet, is dedicated to supporting customers in leading the sustainable infrastructure and building industry. With sustainability at the core of its strategy, Holcim is on a mission to decarbonise building, enabling greener cities and smarter infrastructure, and improving living standards around the world. The trial of the SANY eMixer aligns with this broader industry commitment to environmental sustainability, helping customers responsibly manage the environmental impact of their projects.