As the on ground works in the project are close to finished, we thought it a good opportunity to give everyone an update. The following is a brief summary of the very busy last few months. A more detailed explanation and recognition of the suppliers involved in all aspects of the project as well as links and the specifications of equipment will be posted on the project website once up and running.

The last of the project partnerships are being finalised. Graphics and vehicle signage will follow soon after. We would also like to thank everyone involved for their assistance in all aspects of the project. There has been an overwhelming amount of interest generated by the scope of the projects aims and this will now be distributed to the various media sources who have expressed interest.

Triton EV.

The conversion of the Mitsubishi Triton is all but complete. The last components have arrived in Australia and will be fitted in the next couple of days. A couple of pictures below are a small glimpse of what has been happening during the retrofit. Some delays were experienced in accessing and shipping of essential components for the Lithium-ion cells. The computer Battery Management System and custom charger have been designed and supplied by Rod Dilkes from EV Power Australia Pty Ltd.

        Li-ion cells on vehicle                                         200hp “Warp 11” electric motor

Zero Emission sowing.

Neil Maltby, General Manager of Agrowplow Soil Care Systems International with Michael Inwood at the delivery of the purpose built AD Hybrid Agrowdrill. The coming season will see extensive world first ‘Zero emission’ sowing of crops with the AD Hybrid being towed by the Triton Electric 4x4.

Cascading rock gully control structures.

Schulte Sales Australia has partnered with us in this area of the project. The Schulte High Rise 8000 has exceeded my expectations in its picking ability and the placement of the rock into the creek bed (especially since the paddock has not been worked). We are also able to access varying sized rock from different parts of the paddock depending on the requirements of the individual structure.

Biodiversity lots.

Planting of the over 50 different species of native trees, flowering shrubs and grasses was completed with the assistance of the Conservation Volunteers. Over 3000 plants were planted in conditions described by Bill Josh (crew leader) as some of the best he has ever seen. There was a real international flavour to the planting with volunteers from France, U.S.A., Germany, Korea and Japan as well as Australia. Along with the local, regional and Australian project content we have international product representation from Canada (Schulte Rock pickers), Japan (Mitsubishi Triton) and China (Thundersky Lithium-ion Cells)

Tree guards from Country Energy are on prominent display ready for the field days starting later this year.

Thankyou again to everyone involved in the project. We now have four Department of Environment and Climate Change test plots on farm to monitor our progress with regard to soil carbon and other soil characteristics. Further details to follow with regard to the projects solar credentials and first vehicle publicity.