First SDLG electric machines sold in Brazil

Six electric SDLG wheel loaders are set to enter operation in Brazil after distributor Tracbel completed what it says is the manufacturer’s first sale of electric machines in the country. Image: Tracbel

Brazilian mining, construction and infrastructure group Grupo Base has ordered four 25-tonne SDLG L972 HEV loaders and two 12-tonne L938 HEV models as part of a programme to gradually electrify its operations.

The order represents a notable step in a Brazilian market where uptake of electric construction equipment remains low.

Off-Highway Research estimates that in 2025 just 1% of the world’s total sales of electric construction equipment (approximately 37,000 units) occured in South America. 

Tracbel said the machines use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by CATL and have an operating time of eight to nine hours.

Edson Pechio, president and CEO of Grupo Base, said, “We are driving a major transformation across our operations. We want to incorporate solutions that will enable us to operate more efficiently and progressively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Grupo Base operates a fleet of around 450 machines, alongside 32 concrete and mortar batching plants and 20 crushed stone and sand mining sites. It employs around 2,100 people.

Carlos Renato Machado, executive director of SDLG Tracbel, said the order came as Tracbel expanded its commercial responsibility for SDLG to around 60% of Brazil.

“This contract is a historic milestone and comes at a time when we have taken on commercial responsibility for SDLG across 60% of Brazil, alongside an additional initiative to expand electrification in mining and construction,” said Machado. 

Grupo Base has also ordered three conventional SDLG E6505H crawler excavators as part of the wider nine-machine deal. Each weighs 52 tonnes and will be used for aggregates handling at the company’s operations in São Paulo state.