Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation
Just about ready to celebrate 70 years of continued existence, Toyota's longest-running series of models is also the second-oldest SUV in automotive history – after the Chevrolet Suburban. And what better way to celebrate the anniversary than to push forward all sorts of new and interesting projects?
Of course, Toyota Australia is not exactly thinking of the upcoming festivities, actually. But we still think it’s fitting that, at such an old age, the first “new” Land Cruiser for the year touts zero emissions. It’s also not exactly that youthful, since the project involved the conversion of a Series 70 Land Cruiser – which started living a fruitful life since way back in 1984.
The Japanese company is also planning things a bit differently from other companies that have battery-operated models. That is because we’re dealing with a Series 70 Land Cruiser that was converted alongside BHP (a multinational mining, metals, and petroleum corporation) for a very specific purpose.
The local project built with help from BHP by Toyota Australia's Product Planning and Development Division is actually a “workhorse EV” that will take part in a new electric-vehicle pilot trial at a BHP mine site in Western Australia.
They’re calling it “another step towards a zero emissions future for both companies,” and we all know that Toyota needs all the help it can get as it’s very slowly trying to catch up to its rivals in the EV segment.
Don’t get your hopes up towards seeing the mines in the Land Down Under invaded by EV Series 70 Toyota Land Cruisers, though; that's because we’re dealing with a very small-scale probe, a single single-cab pickup. It was converted to battery-electric operation and it’s also fully equipped for going underground in the BHP Nickel West mine.
Unfortunately, this recent announcement acts more like a teaser because the company has promised to share more information in the months to come. All we have for now is a few pictures with the Land Cruiser enjoying some water and gravel. As far as technical specifications, the mystery is complete as there are none shared.
The Japanese company is also planning things a bit differently from other companies that have battery-operated models. That is because we’re dealing with a Series 70 Land Cruiser that was converted alongside BHP (a multinational mining, metals, and petroleum corporation) for a very specific purpose.
The local project built with help from BHP by Toyota Australia's Product Planning and Development Division is actually a “workhorse EV” that will take part in a new electric-vehicle pilot trial at a BHP mine site in Western Australia.
They’re calling it “another step towards a zero emissions future for both companies,” and we all know that Toyota needs all the help it can get as it’s very slowly trying to catch up to its rivals in the EV segment.
Don’t get your hopes up towards seeing the mines in the Land Down Under invaded by EV Series 70 Toyota Land Cruisers, though; that's because we’re dealing with a very small-scale probe, a single single-cab pickup. It was converted to battery-electric operation and it’s also fully equipped for going underground in the BHP Nickel West mine.
Unfortunately, this recent announcement acts more like a teaser because the company has promised to share more information in the months to come. All we have for now is a few pictures with the Land Cruiser enjoying some water and gravel. As far as technical specifications, the mystery is complete as there are none shared.
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