DriftEx EV conversion package

Currently, there are no battery electric vehicles (BEVs) commercially available or certified for use in an Australian underground (UG) coalmine.

DriftEx has been designed as a conversion package, engineered specifically for the Driftrunner personnel carrier vehicles that are widely used in the UG coal sector. The solution involves replacing the diesel engine with an explosion protected electrical powertrain for use in an UG coalmine. The concept here is that mine sites can perform this electric vehicle conversion while performing the scheduled overhaul of their diesel vehicle.

The solution is designed to support decarbonisation initiatives in the Australian UG coal sector and remove a harmful substance (diesel particulates) from the underground working environment.

Intrinsic Safety (I.S.) protection employed in the battery pack is the main element that allows it to be safely used in a UG coalmine. Furthermore, the battery system has been designed and engineered so that it has the capability for fast charging. Provided an EV charger with the right power capacity is used, it is possible to charge the battery from flat to full in 10–15 min.

The design and engineering of DriftEx enables business sustainability intent within the UG coalmining industry through health benefits of the site and the site’s health in relation to energy use.