First Mode set to unlock decarbonisation for heavy industry

“The world is racing to reduce carbon emissions, and the minerals mined, moved, and transformed by heavy industry are key to the global clean energy transition,” said Julian Soles, First Mode CEO. “At First Mode, we recognise this pressing yet complex need, and we are committed to empowering our customers to not only decarbonise their fleets, but also boost their operational efficiency as service demands rise.”

First Mode’s retrofit product line is offered through its Path to Zero™ program, which provides customers stepwise options for beginning, progressing, and succeeding on their path to zero emissions haulage – with solutions that now include:

• Hybrid EV Retrofit: First Mode’s hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) retrofit adds a First Mode regenerative battery to the customer’s existing diesel-powered vehicle to immediately reduce its carbon emissions by up to 30%. With no additional infrastructure required, this solution captures energy from regenerative braking and stores it until needed – serving as the key first step for customers on their decarbonisation journey.
• Battery EV Retrofit: First Mode’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) retrofit also leverages regenerative braking, but completes the platform conversion into a fully electrified powertrain solution by removing the diesel engine entirely. When paired with a multi-megawatt charging system, the BEV retrofit represents a breakthrough innovation in heavy-industrial decarbonisation.
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Retrofit: Building on the success of First Mode’s partnership with Anglo American to develop the world’s largest fuel cell electric vehicle, the DT74 proof-of-concept truck, this next-generation solution converts an existing diesel-powered vehicle into a clean liquid hydrogen-powered vehicle. When combined with First Mode’s high-speed liquid hydrogen refuelling system and clean hydrogen sourcing programme, the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) retrofit delivers a diesel-free vehicle with a refuelling frequency comparable to its diesel counterpart.

“The First Mode Path to Zero™ program uniquely pairs cutting-edge technology and engineering with best-in-class global supply and hardware manufacturing to ensure minimal operational disruptions for our customers as they transition to clean energy,” said Rhae Adams, Chief Growth and Sustainability Officer and a co-founder of First Mode. “Our solutions also meet our customers where they are with support that is tailored to their needs – from the characteristics of each haulage route to their specific decarbonisation goals.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/product-news/10102023/first-mode-set-to-unlock-decarbonisation-for-heavy-industry/