Second-generation LandCruiser 70 Series EV revealed

ZERO Automotive releases its new ZED70 Ti to some big fanfare

Adelaide-based EV converter ZERO Automotive has just revealed its second-generation ZED70 Ti, based on the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series, ahead of the vehicle’s commercial deployment to some of WA’s biggest mine sites later this year.

Designed specifically for underground applications, the new ZED70 Ti is powered by a 200kW/1200Nm asynchronous electric motor and draws current from a 60kWh Toshiba lithium titanate oxide battery pack said to offer 200km of range and to retain over 70 per cent of its capacity after 20,000 full-use cycles – the equivalent of four million kilometres.

The 750V electrical architecture is supported by a 22kW on-board charger and the battery can be fully charged on AC power in about three hours, while a 160kW DC fast-charger cuts that time down to 25 minutes.

While the diesel powertrain of the 70 Series donor vehicle is almost entirely replaced in the EV conversion process, its transfer case, front and rear suspension, brakes and rear differential are carried over.

Working underground is as hazardous and dangerous for vehicles as it is for people, which is why the ZED70 Ti is fitted with ZERO Automotive’s ‘hazardous environment protection system’ (HEPS) underbody protection – a feature available to internal combustion fleets as a purchasable upgrade.

“Following five years of development, and two years with prototype vehicles under test by Barminco and AusMinerals, we couldn’t be prouder to officially unveil the ZED70 Ti,” company CEO Joe Di Santo said.

“Underground mining is an incredibly tough environment for vehicles, and we know we have gone above and beyond to develop this ADR approved package that is up for the task.

“For instance, our HEPS solution can withstand use in highly corrosive environments, which will genuinely increase the longevity and safety of the vehicles in the long term.”

WA-based hard rock underground mining service Barminco has already signed on as the first ZED70 Ti customer and was quickly followed by CarBon Leasing and Rentals, which ordered 200 units for its national fleet.

CarBon’s vehicles will be distributed to its lease customers in the fourth quarter of next year.

“We’ve already received a great deal of interest and look forward to deploying these innovative EVs next year to a range of customers,” said CarBon Leasing CEO Scott Gillespie.

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