Hunter-based battery technology developer 3ME Technology has announced an expanded partnership with Volvo Penta to investigate new applications for hybrid-electric power and propulsion systems.
In an announcement published on LinkedIn, the Cardiff company confirmed that the two organisations had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to pursue opportunities across the mining, defence, maritime and industrial sectors.
The collaboration combines 3ME’s Australian-designed battery systems, electrification technology and systems integration expertise with Volvo Penta’s industrial and marine power technologies.
The companies intend to investigate hybrid-electric systems designed to reduce fuel consumption, improve operational performance and provide more reliable power in demanding environments.
The agreement establishes a framework for identifying commercial opportunities, integrating the companies’ technologies and pursuing future projects in Australia and export markets.
“This partnership with Volvo Penta is an important step in our strategy to deliver world-class sovereign power and propulsion solutions from Australia, for customers operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments,” 3ME Technology CEO Justin Bain said.
Building on existing hybrid-electric technology
The announcement coincides with 3ME’s unveiling of BladeHAUL, an extra-large uncrewed ground vehicle developed in collaboration with Thales Australia, with support from the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Program.
According to 3ME Technology, BladeHAUL is designed to combine advanced mobility, autonomous operation and deployable power generation capabilities.
The vehicle incorporates Volvo Penta’s TAD542VE Compact Cooling Powerpack as a range extender, providing an engine-based power source to supplement its battery system and support longer operating periods.
Volvo Penta’s NSW distributor, Fenquin, is providing local technical support to the BladeHAUL project.
In a statement accompanying the partnership announcement, Volvo Penta Oceania said:
“Volvo Penta Oceania is pleased to strengthen its collaboration with 3ME Technology to support the development of advanced hybrid-electric and power solutions for demanding defence, marine and industrial applications.
“With Fenquin, Volvo Penta’s NSW distributor, providing local support and expertise to the BladeHAUL Project, the partnership combines proven Volvo Penta power technologies with Australian systems-integration capability. “
“This strong local foundation positions the collaboration to deliver resilient, efficient and future-ready platforms for customers in Australia and international export markets.”
The expanded partnership will explore opportunities to combine the companies’ technologies in other applications, including defence vehicles, maritime systems, mobile power equipment and future autonomous platforms.
From mining machinery to industrial electrification
Based in Cardiff, 3ME Technology develops battery systems and electrification technology for heavy-duty machinery operating in demanding industrial environments.
The company’s work has included developing battery-electric alternatives to diesel-powered equipment used in underground mining, where machinery must meet strict safety and operating requirements.
Its BladeVOLT lithium-ion battery technology was designed to provide modular, scalable electric power for heavy industrial vehicles.
The systems incorporate battery management and remote performance monitoring capabilities, allowing operators to monitor and manage battery operation.
According to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the technology was developed to meet the operating demands of mining equipment and can be used to electrify machinery including underground loaders and personnel transport vehicles.
Replacing diesel engines with battery-electric systems has the potential to reduce emissions and improve underground air quality by eliminating diesel exhaust from the electrified machinery.
3ME has since extended its technology development into other sectors requiring heavy-duty battery and electric drive systems, including defence and maritime applications.
Investment supports Hunter battery development
3ME’s technology development has previously attracted investment from the Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF) and the CEFC.
In October 2021, the company secured $20 million in capital, comprising $15 million from ABGF and $5 million from CEFC.
The investment was intended to support the commercialisation and production of 3ME’s battery-electric systems for the resources sector.
At the time, the CEFC identified the electrification of mining vehicles as an opportunity to reduce emissions while improving working conditions in underground mines.
The investment supported 3ME’s development of technology to replace diesel engines in mining equipment with battery-electric power systems.
The company’s expanded collaboration with Volvo Penta will investigate how its battery and electric drive technology can be combined with industrial engines for applications where hybrid-electric power could offer an alternative to conventional diesel-only operation.
