Cool Planet Group, an Irish company specializing in sustainable solutions, has secured a groundbreaking contract to convert approximately 8,500 diesel-powered mining trucks into electric vehicles (EVs) within the next three years. Valued at an estimated 50 million euros, the order comes from a prominent yet undisclosed “world-leading mining company,” according to reports from the Irish Times.
Significant portions of the conversion process will take place at Cool Planet’s recently completed facility in Wicklow, Ireland, while another planned plant in Ireland and additional sites in Portugal will also contribute to the endeavor. The company’s CEO and founder, Norman Crowley, expressed his enthusiasm about the recent development, stating, “Literally in the last week, we secured our first order for 8,500 trucks. It’s a very large mining group. There will be more orders on top of that.”
Cool Planet Group encompasses various divisions, including a notable focus on energy efficiency. Among its subsidiaries is Electrifi, renowned for converting classic luxury cars into electric vehicles, some of which have even been featured in the Fast and Furious movie franchise. While the Powerscourt facility has been instrumental in retrofitting classic cars, the company now sets its sights on revolutionizing the mining industry with its new line of electric vehicles.
The initiative began when Cool Planet Group was approached during the COVID-19 pandemic by one of the world’s largest mining companies. Initially tasked with converting a pickup truck into an electric vehicle, the endeavor soon evolved into a vast opportunity. “We are now working with five or six of the largest mining companies in the world, and we’ve developed a bunch of vehicles that are electric, don’t emit diesel particulate matter, but also they are much safer,” explained Crowley. Notably, the newly transformed trucks will be equipped with collision avoidance systems to enhance safety measures and prevent accidents involving pedestrians.
This groundbreaking undertaking by Cool Planet Group marks a significant step forward in the global shift towards sustainable transportation and decarbonization of industries. By electrifying thousands of mining trucks, the company is poised to make a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions and improving safety standards within the mining sector. As the project progresses, it is anticipated that further orders will follow, solidifying Cool Planet Group’s position as a key player in the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
