Before 2023 was out, First Mode’s proof-of-concept Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) mining truck was successfully demonstrated in a controlled test area at its proving grounds in Centralia, Washington, USA. Proving that it works was just the first step – 2024 will see the start of pilot-scale deployments for the HEV solution as part of First Mode’s Path to Zero program, with commercial availability scheduled for 2025.
The HEV serves as the first step in Path to Zero by reducing emissions by up to 25%, and it says also provides customers with a ‘seamless transition’ to the Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) and Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) by leveraging the existing retrofit work from the HEV. This transition is facilitated by the shared HEV battery pack, which is also utilised in the FCEV and BEV systems.
In the HEV, the engine remains unchanged, allowing the vehicle to operate regardless of the battery pack status. The choice of battery pack is contingent upon the truck model, with a Komatsu 930E HEV retrofit carrying a 375 kWh LTO battery pack. This strategic battery integration First Mode told IM ensures flexibility and adaptability in its decarbonisation solutions, accelerating the path to zero emissions, adding: “Altogether, the HEV is a cost-effective technology demonstrator for customers looking to immediately start their Path to Zero.”
Julian Soles, First Mode CEO, in an end of year summary of First Mode’s impressive 2023 evolution milestones on December 29 also emphasised the important role played by mining customer feedback: “Heavy haulage innovations vary significantly in their upfront investment requirements. Some may also require infrastructure shifts beyond a mine site’s immediate control, such as clean hydrogen’s maturing supply chain. These considerations among several others were shared with us mid-year by a range of customers eager to strengthen their entry points for decarbonisation, including through the adoption of our FCEV solution.”
He continued: “Their feedback was invaluable, pushing us to further de-risk and empower decarbonisation as the hydrogen economy continues to grow. With world-class speed and agility, we expanded our product line to include a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) retrofit, which helps customers bridge to zero emissions at a pace that works for them on a timeline that they control. Importantly, while our HEV solution leverages regenerative braking to deliver immediate fuel savings and reduce emissions by up to 25%, it is the solution’s design as a versatile feedforward platform that sets it apart from the rest.”
He concluded on the First Mode HEV option: “Nothing like it exists in the market today because it enables customers to seamlessly build on it – rather than discard it and their initial investment – when they and the broader supply chain are ready to convert their fleets into zero emissions vehicles using either First Mode’s full battery or hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains.”
First Mode will be covering all three of its retrofit options in a talk at The Electric Mine 2024 conference at Crown Resorts Perth, May 21-23, for which it is also a Gold Sponsor. See www.theelectricmine.com to register and for more information.
