UTILITY VEHICLES
Kuuwa Rentals is offering the Ford F150 Lightning electric truck to companies in Western Australia
Many of these companies – and their potential customers – are based in Western Australia and acknowledge the ‘ entry-level ’ nature of these vehicles compared with other vehicles in the operational fleet and the need for mining companies to urgently decarbonise their operations .
Kuuwa Rentals is aware of this too , having spent the last few years with Worley developing its Charge Forward program to assess the best entry into this market .
As part of this work , Kuuwa Rentals previously released a feasibility study with Worley that outlined a total of 100,000 light vehicles currently on sites across Australia , each with an average life span of 4.5 years . These numbers , it said , meant the industry would be looking to change over 20,000 diesel-powered light vehicles a year to electric to meet their environmental targets .
Further to the desktop findings , the company says it carried out rigorous testing of vehicles and equipment as part of this program , leading to the selection of the F150 . This has seen Kuuwa Rentals become the only company in Western Australia able to offer this fully mine-specific OEM vehicle to the mining industry with right hand conversion .
Wes Chapman , Managing Director of Kuuwa Rentals , explained the company currently exclusively provides Toyotas to its clients as they are the best on the market for mine work . “ Unfortunately , Toyota haven ’ t announced when they will release a non-diesel Hilux , but the market has 2030 decarbonisation targets to meet and are looking for solutions to reduce emissions on site as soon as they can ,” he said .
Kuuwa Rentals tested a number of the modified Toyota Hiluxs but the alternatives didn ’ t stand up to the task of working on mine sites ,
according to Chapman .
“ The F150 offered that solution of not being modified ( other than being remanufactured to right hand drive ) while also being able to handle the mining environment ,” he said last year .
Chapman says the F150 is suitable for any commercial or fleet application , with the conventionally powered equivalent having 75 years of “ pedigree ” as work trucks . “ There are around 40,000 produced in the USA and many examples of both surface and underground use ,” he added . The PRO electric model – available in the US – has a 240 mile ( 384 km ) EPA estimated on the road range with the standard battery and four wheel drive , according to Ford ’ s website . Kuuwa Rentals is looking to reduce the financial and operational risk associated with these electric trucks by buying the vehicles and offering them under a leasing contract for the duration of the project . “ There is sufficient supply of the Ligtnings available to meet any market demand ,” Chapman said , adding that a “ bespoke build ” is offered depending on the project and mine site requirements .
The feasibility study carried out by Kuuwa Rentals and Worley showcased significant cost savings and carbon reductions using these vehicles , based on 150-km average daily usage , against the diesel baseline . It also highlighted reduced charge times , with the ability to charge a fleet of 10 vehicles in just five hours .
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