Toyota has partnered with Australia’s leading resource company BHP, to trial a locally-produced electric vehicle.

The trial involves a Landcruiser 70 Series single-cab ute that has been converted to a battery electric vehicle by Toyota Australia’s Product Planning and Development Division.

Equipped for underground mine use, the converted vehicle will operate entirely on battery power, and will be trialled at a BHP Nickel West mine in Western Australia.

Matthew Callachor, Toyota Australia’s President and CEO said the trial is another step towards a zero-emission future for both brands.

“BHP and Toyota have demonstrated a strong relationship throughout the last 20 years, and this project is a great testament to how we can both work together as leading companies in our respective industries to change the future,” Mr Callachor said.

BHP Minerals Australia President, Edgar Basto, stated “This partnership is another step in our ongoing studies into how we can reduce the emissions intensity of our light-vehicle fleet. Reducing our reliance on diesel at our operations will help achieve our medium-term target of reducing operational emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.”

Further information is to be released in the coming months.

Source: Toyota | Toyota Australia and BHP announce pilot trial of converted electric vehicle

12 January 2021