15 July 2025
As part of our commitment to powering a sustainable energy future, we have partnered with local innovators Switch, to develop and trial a hybrid diesel-electric truck. Over the past year, teams from PLS and Switch have worked closely together to develop a hybrid solution for our 150-tonne class of haul trucks, where there is simply no off-the-shelf hybrid or electric models that could meet our operational requirements. So, we looked to innovation and local expertise to find an answer.
The result is a custom hybrid haul truck that blends the reliability of diesel with the efficiency of electric vehicles. It’s designed to help reduce emissions, improve fuel performance, and help build internal capability as we continue our broader energy transition.
Battery-electric haul trucks remain a long-term goal across the mining sector, but with infrastructure, technology and supply chains still developing, hybrid vehicles provide a way to make meaningful progress today.
The current trial is focused on two key performance measures:
Through this trial, we’re gathering real-world data to understand what works, what needs refining, and how to scale this innovation across our fleet.
What makes this project even more meaningful is its local connection. Switch, a Western Australian company, brings a deep understanding of our operating environment and local mining conditions, making them the ideal partner for this project.
Their collaborative, solutions-based approach has been key to getting this concept off the ground.
“By supporting local innovation, we’re creating solutions that are scalable, relevant to our operations and environment, and ready for the challenges of tomorrow,” said PLS Executive General Manager Operations Brett McFadgen.
“This is what Shaping Tomorrow looks like in action.”
This local partnership marks an important step in our decarbonisation journey, as we work to reduce emissions and move towards diesel alternatives. It reflects our belief that innovation, sustainability and local collaboration can go hand in hand, and that progress doesn’t have to wait.