As part of the partnership Toyota has converted a LandCruiser 70 from diesel to fully electric through onboard battery power, with the light vehicle expected to be operational above ground and below.

BHP president Edgar Basto said BHP was working to reduce the emissions intensity of its light vehicle fleet.

"It builds on other LEV trials under way in South Australia and Queensland," he said.

"Reducing our reliance on diesel at our operations will help achieve our medium-term target of reducing operational emissions by 30% by 2030."

According to BHP asset president at Nickel West Eddy Haegel, using LEV's will help reduce fuel and maintenance costs and cut out noise, heat and diesel particulate matter.

"The battery in the Toyota EV LandCruiser also contains a high proportion of nickel," he said.

"With Nickel West being both a battery raw material producer and consumer in the electric vehicle market, it is a terrific opportunity to support Toyota with their understanding and development of electric vehicles for the mining industry, whilst also reducing the carbon footprint from our own nickel operations."

Toyota Australia president and CEO Matthew Callachor said the trial was made possible due to the strong relationship Toyota has had with BHP for the past 20 years.