Australian mining giant BHP is to trial what is being dubbed as the “first-ever” full battery electric Hilux double cab at its Port Hedland operations in Western Australia.
The two companies made the announcement on Tuesday, explaining that the electric Hilux double cab prototype would be used in a range of applications traditionally performed by diesel-powered light vehicles.
The trial will begin late next month, and will run for around 12 months and provide both companies with data on the vehicle’s performance.
Toyota, the world’s biggest car maker, has been slow to go electric, choosing instead to focus on hybrid vehicles and has been instrumental in trying to push back supporting EV policies in Australia and elsewhere around the world.
“Toyota has long advocated a multi-pathway approach towards decarbonisation, and when we do something, we want to make sure we do it right,” said Matthew Callachor, president and CEO of Toyota Australia.
“Joining with BHP to help further develop this Hilux BEV prototype is an important step in creating low-emission technologies in the light commercial vehicle space, particularly for use in harsh and demanding mining environments.”
This is not the first time BHP will trial a Toyota EV, as it signed on to test a specially converted LandCruiser70 at its Nickel West operations back in 2021.
Other mining companies are also interested in using battery electric utes, particularly underground, and one company has imported a number of Rivian utes that have been ordered by as yet unnamed miners.
“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, with leading suppliers like Toyota,” said Geraldine Slattery, president of BHP Australia.
“With around 5,000 light vehicles at our sites across Australia, 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.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.