Cardiff-based 3ME Technology is forging new ground in the world of battery electrification of heavy tonnage mining and military vehicles with the development and manufacture of a scalable and modular lithium battery system capable of powering heavy-duty vehicles.
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The LEV1 development vehicle being used to test battery systems which 3ME technology will be scaling to empower the conversion to eclectic for use in military and mining applications.
Assistant Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Tim Wilson and Liberal federal candidate for Shortland Nell McGill visited 3ME Technology on Thursday.
"Lowering emissions and creating jobs go hand in hand. We are supporting 3ME Technology to scale up their operations, which is great news for the local economy," Mr Wilson said.
3ME also showcased some of its locally-built lithium-ion batteries, which can be used to turn heavy tonnage mining loaders into electric vehicles.
Ms McGill said that she was impressed by the capacity of the new batteries to produce clean energy.
"I have no doubt that this little electric buggy is a lot of fun," McGill said. "I am always surprised at the depth of talent that we have here in Shortland. "These batteries can change the world and they are being created right here in the Hunter."
3ME Technology's Bladevolt battery is powerful enough to run a 20-tonne loader.
"In developing the Bladevolt battery system our focus has been on meeting the very high safety and operating demands of heavy vehicles used in Australia's resources sector. With that challenge solved, and the investment backing of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, we are ready to scale up production. We have a particular focus on underground mining because EVs deliver better performance through lower emissions and improved operator safety," chief executive Justin Bain said.
The company recently doubled its workforce in response to strong demand for the electrification of typically diesel-powered heavy vehicles.
"Investing in these companies is creating jobs in our backyard. More local jobs for locals are a focus that has my complete support," Mr Wilson said.
"We were told that 3ME Technology is making a range of batteries for sale to convert diesel-powered heavy mining vehicles over to electric power."
The company made history last year when it became the first investment of the Australian Business Growth Fund, a joint partnership between the federal government and Australia's major financial institutions.
It received $15 million from the fund, which will allow it to triple its business in the next five years.
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