The first battery-electric Toyota HiLux double cab ute will be tested in the harsh conditions of northern Western Australian.
In a partnership with BHP, the Japanese automaker will put the eco-friendly version of one of Australia’s best-selling utes to the test at the mining giant’s Port Hedland operations, where it will be used in a range of applications traditionally performed by diesel-powered light vehicles.
Toyota Australia President and CEO Matthew Callachor said the 12-month trail would begin in November.
“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,” Mr Callachor said.
BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery said BHP’s ambition to electrify their light vehicle fleet and lower greenhouse gas emissions across operations depended on enabling technology that could only be achieved through collaborations like this.
“With around 5000 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,” Ms Slattery said.
