VivoPower International PLC ("VivoPower") is pleased to announce that it has signed a definitive agreement (“Agreement”) with Ulti-Mech Pty Ltd (“Ulti-Mech”) for Ulti-Mech to market, distribute and service Tembo-powered electric utility vehicles across Western Australia, home to half of Australia’s mines and the leading destination in the world for mining investment.

Ulti-Mech is a 100% Australian-owned and operated automotive service company headquartered in Newman, Western Australia. It has three locations enabling comprehensive coverage of Western Australia from north to south with plans to expand to two additional large mining towns in the Pilbara region, Tom Price and Karratha. The company provides specialised mining and 4WD automotive services through expert on-site advisors and highly qualified mechanics to leading large cap mining companies and their contractors.

Under the Agreement, Ulti-Mech has committed to sell a minimum of 1,000 Tembo EV conversion kits from execution of this Agreement over the next 5 years across Western Australia. Ulti-Mech will be responsible for acquiring utility vehicles, converting the vehicles to ruggedised Electric Utility Vehicles (“EUV”) using Tembo conversion kits, selling the units to end-customers and providing after-sale servicing and maintenance with support from Tembo.

The Tembo EV kits will transform new and second hand diesel-powered 4x4 LandCruiser and Hilux vehicles into ruggedised EUVs for use in the mining industry, as well as other sectors. Tembo EV conversion kits are a key component of VivoPower’s turnkey sustainable energy solutions, designed to help corporate customers accelerate towards their net zero carbon goals and to achieve cost savings.

Kevin Chin, VivoPower’s Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said:

“Western Australia is one of the world’s largest mining markets and we have been seeking to partner with a well-established and highly reputed local leader in mine spec and 4WD automotive services. We are delighted to partner with Ulti-Mech and cater to its blue chip clientele, including some of the world’s pre-eminent mining companies. Ulti-Mech’s coverage across Western Australia is strategically important, given it is Australia’s largest state by land mass with mines located in remote locations from north to south. Importantly, Ulti-Mech is an Authorised Inspection Station service provider for the Department of Transport of Western Australia. We look forward to co-locating Tembo trained engineers across Western Australia, to support Ulti-Mech and its team to help its customers towards achieving their net zero objectives.”

John Adams, Ulti-Mech’s Founder and Managing Director said:

“I am thrilled to enter into a partnership with Tembo. With three locations in the heart of Western Australia’s mining market, we are perfectly placed to successfully supply and service the Tembo electric utility vehicle.  With increased pressure for mining companies to start their Net-Zero journey, the Tembo solution is a significant step in that direction.”

About VivoPower

VivoPower is an award-winning global sustainable energy solutions B Corporation company focused on electric solutions for customised and ruggedised fleet applications, battery and microgrids, solar and critical power technology and services. The Company's core purpose is to provide its customers with turnkey decarbonisation solutions that enable them to move toward net-zero carbon status. VivoPower has operations and personnel in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

About Ulti-Mech

Ulti-Mech is a 100% Australian-owned and operated company, first established in the Pilbara mining town of Newman in Western Australia. The company has over the years built a highly experienced team with specialised knowledge across a range of mining and 4WD automotive services. Ulti-Mech has expanded into the Perth metropolitan and Southern areas of Western Australia with three locations strategically located to provide coverage to its customers throughout Western Australia.

All trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes certain statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterisations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements may include, for example, statements about the achievement of performance hurdles, or the benefits of the events or transactions described in this communication and the expected returns therefrom. These statements are based on VivoPower’s management’s current expectations or beliefs and are subject to risk, uncertainty, and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of VivoPower’s business. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies include changes in business conditions, fluctuations in customer demand, changes in accounting interpretations, management of rapid growth, intensity of competition from other providers of products and services, changes in general economic conditions, geopolitical events and regulatory changes, and other factors set forth in VivoPower’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. VivoPower is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

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VivoPower is pleased to announce that the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tembo e-LV B.V., have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with a Jordanian Organisation to sell, distribute and market 4×4 Toyota vehicles which have been fully electrified by Tembo (Electrified Vehicles) and/or the Tembo electrification conversion kit for Toyota 4×4 vehicles (Conversion Kits).

Under the proposed agreement, the Jordanian Organisation intends to sell 1,000 Tembo e-LV conversion kits from execution of this agreement until 30^th September 2027. The parties to the proposed agreement will work to finalise a Definitive Agreement as soon as practicable, and prior to 31^st December 2022, unless the parties agree to an extension. All purchase commitments will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Definitive Agreement.

In October 2021, VivoPower established itself in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to extend its services to the Middle East and surrounding markets. Today’s announcement is the first significant agreement for the subsidiary and progression of the company’s growth strategy for the region.

Tembo’s conversion kits transform diesel-powered Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux vehicles into ruggedised electric light vehicles for use in mining and other hard-to-decarbonise sectors. Tembo e-LV products are a key component of VivoPower’s turnkey net-zero solutions for the decarbonisation of corporate and public organisations.

Kevin Chin, Executive Chairman and CEO of VivoPower, said: “We are very pleased to move forward on gaining a new partner for Tembo in the region. This is in line with our strategy to expand our commercial activities and operations in the Middle East, the largest market for Toyota Land Cruisers in the world, and naturally follows the establishment of our local subsidiary for the region in the UAE in October last year. We look forward to cementing this partnership and servicing Jordan with our decarbonisation solutions.”

To read our full press release, and to keep up with all of VivoPower’s releases, visit our Press Releases page.

VivoPower’s wholly owned subsidiary, Tembo e-LV B.V. (“Tembo”), has been awarded the ISO14001 certification. 

ISO14001 Environmental Management System is a certification given to companies seeking to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner. The organisation’s management system must be able to contribute to the environmental pillar of sustainability. 

As the ISO describes it, ISO14001 “helps an organisation achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organisation itself and interested parties.” 

In addition, Tembo has retained its ISO9001 Quality Management System certification which is given to organisations that demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The company should also aim to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system. 

Aside from the ISO recommendation, TUV SUD also provided a comprehensive list of opportunities for improvement for Tembo’s processes.  

The next ISO accreditation is scheduled for March 2023.

Atlas Iron is a leading iron ore explorer, developer, and producer based out of Western Australia

VivoPower is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tembo E-LV, has secured an initial order from Atlas Iron, a leading iron ore mining company based in Perth, Western Australia, and a subsidiary of the Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd (HPPL). Atlas Iron operates the Mt Webber, Sanjiv Ridge, and Miralga mines.

Under the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Gina Rinehart, HPPL is the most successful private company in Australia’s history, and one of the most successful private mining companies in the world.

Kevin Chin, VivoPower’s Executive Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to be assisting Atlas Iron in their journey towards electrification and energy efficiency. With the opening of borders across Australia and Southeast Asia, we have been increasing our engagement with other groups and expect to be announcing additional orders in due course.”

To read our full press release, and to keep up with all of VivoPower’s releases, visit our Press Releases page.

Toyota Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation,
the world’s largest car manufacturer

VivoPower has now established a Tembo Australia subsidiary and dedicated Tembo resources
to this Toyota Australia programme

VivoPower International is pleased to announce that it has executed a Design Services Agreement (DSA) with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited (TMCA) for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tembo e-LV to be commercially engaged in relation to the next stage of design of electrification solutions for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 for off-road applications in Australia.

The DSA reflects the commercial next step in Tembo’s collaboration programme with TMCA, which was initially announced as a binding letter of intent in June 2021. VivoPower has established a Tembo subsidiary in Australia and will commit dedicated Tembo resources to this important programme.

VivoPower’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Kevin Chin said: “We are honoured to have entered into this commercial agreement with TMCA and are fully committed to working closely with the TMCA team to deliver an electrified LandCruiser 70, which is fit for purpose and safe for corporate fleets, especially for off-road use cases such as mining. In this regard, we have now dedicated a team within Tembo that is solely focused on this important TMCA project. We will also be sub-contracting our partner in Australia, GB Auto, given their dedicated mining sector experience.”

To read our full press release, and to keep up with all of VivoPower’s releases, visit our Press Releases page.

About VivoPower

VivoPower is a sustainable energy solutions company focused on electrification solutions for customized and ruggedized fleet applications, and solar and critical power technology and services. The Company’s core purpose is to provide its customers with turnkey decarbonization solutions that enable them to move toward net-zero carbon status. VivoPower is a certified B Corporation with operations in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

About Toyota Motor Corporation Australia

Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, the world’s largest car manufacturer.

All trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

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Sophie Morello / Jessica Hodson Walker / Richard Bicknell

Electric light vehicles offer mining companies an effective way to cut their carbon emissions. Unlike petrol or diesel engine vehicles, EVs don’t produce any greenhouse gases. This makes them an excellent choice for working in enclosed spaces such as underground mines.

However, finding the right electric vehicle for mining isn’t easy. Mines often have some of the harshest working conditions around. EVs should be tough enough to withstand the wear and tear in such environments.

Tembo e-LVs are built to do exactly that. The Electric Cruiser and Electric HLX are as strong and as durable as their original Toyota counterparts. However, they’re more environmentally-friendly, thanks to their emissions-free E-Drive motors.

What are Tembo electric light vehicles (e-LVs)?

Tembo e-LVs are electric vehicles specially designed for use in rough environments. They are built from Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux vehicles whose diesel engines have been replaced with electric motors. Original gearboxes have also been swapped out in favour of a Tembo 1:3 reduction gearbox.

Why convert the Land Cruiser or Hilux?

Mining companies work in some of the world’s harshest environments.  Their worksites can often be found in remote locations that are difficult to reach through traditional means. Workers need vehicles that are strong and durable enough to handle long drives on very rough roads.

Two of the most common vehicles used by mining companies are the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series and the Toyota Hilux. They also have a powerful diesel engine that is more than capable of handling heavy loads. The only problem is that these engines won’t meet future emission standards.

To solve this, Tembo reimagined these workhorses as electric light vehicles. By replacing the diesel engine with an electric motor, Tembo makes these vehicles more environmentally-friendly. The electric vehicles still have the same rugged features as their original Toyota design, with a heavy-duty frame and powertrain that can operate even in harsh conditions. However, they are now 100% emissions-free.

How does it work?

The batteries for the Tembo e-LV can be found under the hood in front, and in the rear, where the fuel tank would normally be.

Tembo e-LVs make use of high-quality components from the automotive industry. Diesel engines and gearboxes have been switched out for battery-powered electric units.

One of the most noticeable features of driving a Tembo Electric Cruiser or Electric HLX is how easy it is to handle. The 110/65 KW E-Drive motor offers 250Nm of torque right from the beginning. This force is regulated by the onboard electric vehicle control unit (EVCU), resulting in a smooth driving experience.

The lack of a gearbox eliminates the need for cycling through different gears while driving. The E-Drive motor handles the vehicle’s entire RPM range from manoeuvring to highway speeds.

Tembo e-LVs also have a 4-wheel drive system with a central differential between the front and rear wheels. This effectively minimises the potential strain on the vehicle’s drivetrain.

Features of Tembo electric light vehicles

Smooth acceleration

Since Tembo has taken out the gearbox from the vehicle, there is no need to change gears while driving. This removes the jerking motion often seen in petrol and diesel engine vehicles when switching gears.

Tembo e-LVs have also been fitted with EVCUs capable of handling the gradual increase in power for the drivetrain. The control unit lessens the stress on the driveline and ensures a smooth driving experience.

Better weight distribution

One of the biggest challenges in making electric vehicles is where to put the battery unit. EVs rely on high-capacity batteries to make sure that they have enough power to operate. However, having multiple battery units on the vehicle adds to its total weight.

Tembo has addressed the problem by dividing the battery capacity over the front and the rear of its electric vehicles. This significantly improves weight distribution and prevents bouncing of the e-LV’s rear, which is a common issue when driving an empty pickup.

No engine noise

Unlike fuel engine vehicles, Tembo e-LVs don’t produce much noise. In fact, the only noticeable sound comes from the tyres touching the road while driving, drastically reducing the noise pollution that usually comes from big diesel engines operating in and around work sites.

Heavy-duty water- and dustproof battery housing

Another challenge when operating electric vehicles is how to keep batteries operating in different environments. Tembo e-LVs are designed with a heavy-duty battery housing that is both waterproof and dustproof.

Speed limiter

Tembo e-LVs come with a speed limiter to help drivers operate the vehicles according to their needs. This feature can be accessed through the dedicated software on the dashboard’s instrument panel.

Onboard diagnostics

To help keep Tembo e-LVs in optimal condition, we have also fitted them with several fleet management options. These can also be accessed via the onboard instrument panel.

Optional fire suppression & emergency failsafe brake systems

The Tembo Electric Cruiser and Electric HLX vehicles are designed with safety as the top priority, with options to include both fire suppression and emergency failsafe brake systems.

Tembo’s fire suppression system makes use of high-pressure water combined with a small amount of foam additive. The mixture addresses all three components of a chain reaction (heat, oxygen, and fuel) that can cause a fire.

Tembo can also add an emergency failsafe brake system to e-LVs to prevent accidents due to uncontrolled vehicle movement. This wet brake system can activate if the vehicle’s door suddenly opens whilst driving or if the E-stop button is pressed. It can also activate if the engine key is turned off.

The Tembo e-LV brake system is specially designed to improve brake reliability and vehicle safety. It can also help reduce vehicle operating costs.

Benefits of Driving Tembo e-LV Electric Cruisers or Electric HLXs

Since Tembo e-LVs are zero emission vehicles, they can be used in underground mines.

There are several advantages to using Tembo e-LVs in mining sites. Investing in an Electric Cruiser or Electric HLX fleet means zero petrol and diesel fill-ups. It also lets operators save money on costly oil changes and maintenance.

As 100% battery-operated vehicles, e-LVs also don’t release greenhouse gases.

Zero emissions

Two of the biggest challenges faced by mining companies are maintaining health & safety and clean air standards. Many workers who operate in underground mines rely on vehicles that run on diesel power. However, this exposes them to particulate matter that is very harmful to their health and wellbeing.

Using electric vehicles like Tembo e-LVs can help address this problem. Since they have electric motors instead of diesel engines, e-LVs don’t produce any C02 emissions. This reduces the amount of particulate matter in the air of an underground operation, helping workers to avoid serious health risks often associated with breathing polluted air.

Less noise generation

Air pollution isn’t the only problem that Tembo electric light vehicles can solve. They can also help lessen the level of noise pollution, particularly inside underground mines.

Unlike traditional fuel engine vehicles, e-LVs produce almost zero noise. The Tembo E-Drive motor can operate without making much sound, so Electric Cruiser and Electric HLX vehicles can be driven without adding to worksite noise pollution.

Less vehicle heat

Electric motors have an efficiency rating of over 90%. They also don’t generate a lot of heat. Meanwhile, combustion engines only have an efficiency of approximately 40%. They also tend to get very hot, especially when used for long periods.

Lower maintenance cost

Tembo e-LVs have significantly lower maintenance costs compared to petrol or diesel engine vehicles. The E-Drive motor’s regenerative braking system enables the use of the e-LV’s brakes for a much longer period than ordinary ones. Other maintenance costs such as replacement of air, oil, and fuel filters are also reduced or eliminated entirely.

Lower operational cost

Vehicle operating costs will be substantially reduced by investing in an electric light vehicle fleet. Using electricity is much more affordable compared to using diesel, resulting in significantly lower fuel costs.

Another area of savings is in ventilation for underground mines. Most mining companies spend between 20-40% of their total overhead cost to provide work site ventilation. This includes lowering the heat and getting rid of harmful gases inside mines. The electric motor in Tembo e-LVs doesn’t generate the same level of heat as combustion engines. Using them won’t increase the temperature in underground mines.

Shorter downtime

VivoPower and Tembo know the importance of a reliable vehicle fleet for mining and industrial companies. That’s why only high-quality automotive components are used in building Tembo e-LVs. This ensures that Tembo e-LVs can operate exceptionally well even in rough conditions.

Tembo electric light vehicles don’t require much maintenance, avoiding long periods of downtime.

No need for expensive and hazardous fuel infrastructure

Using petrol or diesel engine vehicles typically requires an infrastructure for fossil fuels at the worksite. However, building one is very expensive and potentially dangerous.

By comparison, having an e-LV fleet doesn’t require building any new facilities. The same electric infrastructure already used for light and ventilation can be utilised to charge the vehicles. They’re also a lot safer to use than combustion engine vehicles.

Employer branding

World and city governments are starting to pay closer attention to the environmental impacts of greenhouse gases.

Business leaders can also commit to CO2 emission reductions by switching to an e-LV fleet. Eliminating reliance on petrol or diesel engine vehicles is a major step towards meeting corporate emissions targets. Research shows that companies that commit to decarbonisation goals also become a lot more appealing to potential investors and employees as environmentally-conscious organisations.

Governmental preference

Regulatory bodies in the mining industry are starting to favour companies that commit to an all-electric underground environment. An all-electric fleet can improve the odds and speed of getting necessary approvals from these agencies. Investing in green vehicles and infrastructure can add considerable value to an organisation’s reputation.

Invest in a greener future

Tembo e-LVs are more environmentally-friendly than fossil fuel vehicles.

Switching to EVs isn’t just about improving existing vehicle fleets. It’s also about investing in a greener future for organisations.

The mining industry is already turning its back on fossil fuels because of their negative impact on the environment. Having an electric light vehicle fleet can help mining companies cut their emission levels.

Tembo e-LVs are therefore the perfect choice. Its E-Drive motor and battery system are designed to power the vehicles even through the roughest conditions. Whether it’s the Electric Land Cruiser or the Electric HLX, these e-LVs are built to last a long time.

Investing in Tembo electric light vehicles is one of the best decisions an organisation can make.

Check out our product video for the Tembo e-LV Electric Cruiser.

We are growing fast, which means we are hiring in all departments.

For your chance to work at Tembo, view our vacancies at https://www.temboelv.com/Careers-Jobs

We would like to thank everyone who attended the Transport Compleet exhibition in Gorinchem. It was great to see and hear all the enthusiasm about our products.

We are thrilled to announce our participation as an exhibitor at Minexpo Las Vegas from September 13 to 15, 2021. We will be accompanied by the Tembo e-LV B.V. team as well as VivoPower to present you the electric Cruiser, the new standard in mining mobility!

Five years ago, we presented the very first Tembo 4x4 e-LV Electric Cruiser. Time flies!