increase font size
The ZED 70 is based on the rugged Toyota Landcruiser 70.
Based on the Toyota Landcruiser 70, the all-electirc ZED 70 is engineered for harsh climates.
While hybrid and electric vehicles are in the news every week, particularly in the saloon and SUV sectors, alternative propulsion choices seem to have bypassed the massive ute sector.
That looks like it’s about to change with recent announcements from leading vehicle manufacturers. However, one Australian-built unit is ready to hit the streets or tracks now.
The ZED 70, built in Adelaide by Zero Automotives, is based on the rugged Toyota Landcruiser 70. It’s said to be engineered to face the harsh climates of the ‘dry country’ – particularly in the mining and agri-business sectors.
Although the company has no plans to mass produce the vehicle, it can supply units that are customised to meet industry-specific needs, producing design-compliant and road legal utes for under AU$200,000.
Said to offer an effective range of up to 350km, the ZED 70 features a 700Nm electric motor, partnered with a 20 to 120kW/hour battery pack. This combines to deliver more torque than the original, factory fitted V8 engine.
The company suggests the vehicle is particularly suited to confined environments where diesel particulates can have a detrimental effect on people working nearby. Using current and emerging technologies – such as geo-fencing, telematics and semi-autonomous operation – the ZED 70 can also be fitted with automated speed limiters for individual sites.
Available in wagon, dual-cab, single-cab and troop-carrying configurations, the vehicle will also incorporate regenerative braking, high-voltage air conditioning and heating.
Technology is constantly evolving, meaning products change quickly so you need to ensure improvements and upgrades are yielding value from day one. When looking at on farm upgrades, WaterForce suggests that the following are key questions in your investment research:
Over the ditch in Australia, Toyota utes and trucks are the workhorses of the country’s economy.
When the 8th generation Toyota Hilux arrived in late 2015, it was a major departure from the Hilux of old.
John Deere has released new software updates to its Operations Centre and MyOperations App.
A machine-learning algorithm could help change the face of New Zealand Pinot Noir, by offering data-based decisions for optimal Pinot production.
OPINION: This old mutt is getting somewhat tired of multi-national, tax-dodging, fund-raising group Greenpeace always given front and centre mainstream…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly is questioning exactly why the Māori ag sector have been given special budget funding by…
