Toyota Australia and BHP launch groundbreaking electric ute trial in mining operations

[Pelican Press 0]

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Toyota Australia and BHP launch groundbreaking electric ute trial in mining operations

A pioneering trial for a battery electric HiLux double cab ute prototype marks a new chapter for the mining industry, as Toyota Australia and BHP join forces.

Set to begin in late November, the trial will take place at BHP’s Port Hedland operations, where the electric vehicle will be used for various tasks typically handled by diesel-powered light vehicles.

The trial is scheduled to run for about 12 months, during which BHP will provide critical feedback to Toyota to refine the vehicle’s performance and adaptability in demanding mining conditions.

President and CEO of Toyota Australia, Matthew Callachor, said the trial marked an exciting opportunity for both companies and was a “significant milestone in the HiLux’s history.”

Mr Callacho emphasised Toyota’s commitment to a multi-pathway approach to decarbonisation, saying “when we do something, we want to make sure we do it right.”

He also highlighted that collaborating with BHP was crucial for developing low-emission technologies, especially in the challenging environment of the mining sector.

“This trial is also a demonstration of the commitment shown by both parties to the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year,” Mr Callacho said.

BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about testing the electric HiLux in an environment where safety and reliability are paramount.

“Our ambition to electrify our light vehicle fleet and lower greenhouse gas emissions across our operations depends on enabling technology that can only be achieved through collaborations like this,” Ms Slattery said.

“We look forward to putting the battery electric HiLux through its paces and seeing the potential it can bring, not only to reduce diesel use in mining but eventually for all HiLux drivers too.”

Group Procurement Officer, Rashpal Bhatti, reinforced the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainability goals.

“The path to decarbonising our operations is one we cannot walk alone,” Mr Bhatti said.

BHP’s Port Hedland operation, the largest iron ore loading port in Australia and one of the biggest in the world, will serve as the testing ground.

This trial follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Toyota and BHP in August 2023 aimed at exploring further decarbonisation measures within BHP’s *********** operations.

The MOU sets the stage for ongoing collaboration in safety, engineering, and product development, with a particular focus on light vehicle design and the future challenges of emerging technologies.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

#Toyota #Australia #BHP #launch #groundbreaking #electric #ute #trial #mining #operations

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up