CarBon Leasing & Rentals has announced it will bolster its mining EV fleet by taking the first 200 of ZERO Automotive’s newly launched zero-emissions underground ZED70 Ti, launched in Perth this week at CarBon’s total mine decarbonisation showcase, along with Roev’s 4WD electric HiLux and the UON off-grid, remote SMARTTM CELL Power Solution. Speaking at the official WA launch of the Roev 4WD electric HiLux and ZERO ZED70 Ti, CarBon founder and CEO Scott Gillespie confirmed the company’s plans to spearhead mine fleet decarbonisation by taking ZERO’s first 200 ZED70 Ti’s, in addition to its confirmed commitment to 500 Roev electric HiLuxes. Mr Gillespie said the second generation zero-emissions ZED70 Ti, based on the Toyota Landcruiser 79 Series, had already undergone five years of development in harsh underground conditions and companies were eager to deploy them at a range of projects. “Mining operations across Australia are facing increasing pressure to transition their fleets to meet ESG targets and the Zero ZED70 Ti represents a new opportunity to do this in the light commercial space. “We’ve already received a great deal of interest and look forward to deploying these innovative EVs to a range of customers in 2024,” he said. The new ZED70 Ti features 50% more power – with fast charging in under half an hour – as well as ZERO’s Hazardous Environment Protection System underbody armour protection, which dramatically increases the longevity and safety of the vehicle’s chassis in corrosive underground conditions. WA Minister for the Environment; Climate Change, Reece Whitby MLA, said innovative EVs like the Roev and ZERO utes would help drive a ‘Great Transition’ in WA’s resources sector. Roev CEO & Co-Founder Noah Wasmer said demand for commercial EVs far outweighs current supply and Australian fleets are looking for a range of solutions to electrify their vehicles. “There is huge demand for light commercial EV’s in Australia and electric conversions provide an important option to accelerate our energy transition, particularly in the fleet market where businesses are racing to decarbonise,” he said. CarBon has also partnered with UON, developer of the off-grid, remote SMARTTM CELL Power Solution. This innovative product is an EV charger, a dewatering battery motor controller, a stand-alone power solution or a mine camp energy source – all in one package powered entirely by renewable energy. Mr Gillespie said each ROEV electric HiLux will displace around 10 tonnes of CO2 each year, while each ZERO ZED70Ti would displace around 12 tonnes of CO2 every year – based on 40,000km of driving.