In an important step towards decarbonising the mining industry, Indigenous-owned fleet company, Kuuwa Rentals, has taken delivery of its first AUSEV F-150 Lightning following a recent feasibility study.
Kuuwa Rentals and sustainability-focused resources industry experts, Worley, joined forces to complete the study, which aimed to help Australian mines transition to the cleanest, safest and most economical solutions in line with 2030 targets.
The resulting program, Charge Forward, will offer a comprehensive turn-key solution for the resources industry including EVs, charging infrastructure, carbon assessments, ongoing energy management and the provision of renewable energy.
Kuuwa outlined that with 100,000 light vehicles currently on sites across Australia, each with an average life span of 4.5 years, the industry will need to transition more than 20,000 vehicles each year to meet targets.
According to Kuuwa Rentals, a mix of desktop research and rigorous vehicle testing found a clear winner in the F-150 lightning – so far Australia’s only OEM 4×4 electric ute.
“This is a major milestone in our journey to decarbonise the mining industry,” Kuuwa Managing Director, Wes Chapman said.
“The Charge Forward program demonstrates that mine electrification is not only viable but also economically advantageous. We are excited to work hand in hand with Worley and industry stakeholders to make sustainable mine operations a reality.”
The Charge Forward initiative will look to ease the transition to electric light vehicles to begin with, but work has already started on truck, bus and plant options.
“This study is a game-changer for the mining industry,” Worley Principal of Mine Electrification & Technology, Paul Lucey said.
“It shows that mine electrification is not only possible, but it is also the best way to reduce emissions and save money, especially as part of the Charge Forward program.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Kuuwa, presenting a transformative solution that accelerates the electrification of the mining sector.”
Kuuwa Rentals will be offering the mine-specified F-150 Lightning for use in Western Australia, which will include a complete governance framework and operational model to ease the transition to electric light vehicles.
More information on the Change Forward program can be found here.
