The use of electric vehicles underground has a substantial multiplier effect in terms of air quality, as it eliminates the need to pump air through the mine to evacuate particulates, products of combustion, water vapor and heat that internal combustion engine vehicles introduce into the confined space.
Bortana is a fully electric-driven four-wheel-drive medium goods class light truck that is designed to handle the rigorous and corrosive environment of underground mines and has a payload of more than 2t.
Revolutionizing Underground Mining with Purpose-Built Electric Vehicles: The Story of the Bortana EV
The underground mining industry has long relied on commercially available vehicles designed for other industries, such as agriculture or off-road vehicles. However, with the increasing focus on improving safety and health in mining operations, there is a growing need for purpose-built electric vehicles that can operate efficiently and effectively in the unique and challenging conditions of underground mines.
While there is some debate about the actual emissions reduction achieved by driving an electric vehicle instead of an internal combustion engine vehicle on the road, the benefits of using electric vehicles in underground mining are clear. Not only do they reduce emissions, but they also have a substantial multiplier effect by reducing the need to pump air through the mine to evacuate particulates, products of combustion, water vapor, and heat that ICE vehicles introduce into the confined space.
This is where the Bortana EV comes in. The Bortana EV is a fully electric-driven, four-wheel-drive medium goods class light truck designed specifically for underground mining operations. With a payload of more than 2 tons and the ability to operate for a full shift without recharging, the Bortana EV is highly capable and efficient in handling the rigorous and corrosive environment of underground mines.
One of the key features of the Bortana EV is its onboard 1000V AC charging capability. This means that the vehicle can be charged practically anywhere it might be parked in an underground mine, without the need to stop operations to recharge. This feature is a game-changer for mining operators, as it means that they can continue to use the vehicle without interruption and without compromising safety or efficiency.
The Bortana EV is the result of years of research and development, with the decision to build a prototype EV made in 2017. The vehicle was first driven on the road in 2019 and underground in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bortana team has persevered, and at the close of 2022, three vehicles have been completely built.
Six of the beta vehicles have already been committed to three underground mines in three Australian states, and Bortana receives daily enquiries from all over the world about the availability of production vehicles. The demand for purpose-built underground electric vehicles is far higher than the current global capacity, and it seems this situation will continue for many years.
Bortana plans to begin serial production in the second half of 2023, which is a significant step towards improving safety and health in underground mining operations. With the Bortana EV and other purpose-built electric vehicles, the underground mining industry can achieve substantial emissions reductions, while also improving the safety and well-being of miners.
