Australian-developed EV for underground wins at NSW Mining awards

A battery electric vehicle by Ampcontrol in collaboration with ResTech, Solitech and The University of Newcastle and specifically designed for underground mining applications has won a Health Excellence award at the NSW Mining HSEC Awards.

The award was accepted by Ampcontrol CTO Tim Wylie (pictured below) on Monday at an event at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, NSW on Monday.

“At Ampcontrol we’re proud to be part of initiatives that pave the way in advancing the energy sector and helping our mining customers decarbonise,” said Rod Henderson, the electrical engineering company’s Managing Director.

“It’s an honour to have the work of our people awarded by NSW Mining.”.

The development of the EV, DRIFTEX, was in response to growing and immediate industry demand for low-emissions technology and to remove diesel particulate matter (DPM) – a Group 2A carcinogen – from underground applications, said Ampcontrol in a statement.

According to the company it is first commercially available and certified explosion-protected BEV for underground mines

The primary benefit was given as an ability to replace diesel-powered vehicles with an alternate power source, with large potential for industry-wide health and environmental improvements.

Picture: Wylie and Nick McIntyre, Thiess Health & Safety Manager with  the award (supplied)

DRIFTEX incorporates a 60 kilowatt hour intrinsically safe battery management system, with a long cycle life of 20,000 – 30,000 cycles (about ten years’ operation with 80 per cent battery life remaining), “seamlessly integrates with standard EV chargers” and a cooling system enables fast-charging (a full battery charge in 10 minutes using high-powered DC fast chargers.)

Main picture: credit Ampcontrol

Further reading

Ampcontrol and PPK to introduce new battery-electric vehicle

Ampcontrol shows off new EV charger for mine electrification

WHSP to acquire Ampcontrol, citing decarbonisation potential