General Motors, Komatsu partner to develop hydrogen fuel cell mining trucks

General Motors, renowned for its hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Komatsu, a global leader in mining and construction equipment, have announced a joint venture to co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s world-best-selling ultra-class 930E electric drive mining truck.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Ideal for Heavy-Duty Electrification

Hydrogen fuel cells, known for their lightweight nature and quick refueling capabilities, are increasingly seen as ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen offers an effective way to store large quantities of energy onboard vehicles like the Komatsu 930E, which has a massive nominal payload of 320 tons, without compromising payload capacity. These vehicles typically remain at a single mine throughout their lifespan, simplifying the deployment of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Charlie Freese, executive director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC business, emphasized the importance of fuel cells in achieving a zero-emissions future, especially for large vehicles used in industries like mining.

Komatsu’s Commitment to Decarbonization

Komatsu’s initiative to power its mining trucks with fuel cells aligns with its broader environmental goals. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce its global emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These objectives include tackling emissions from its product offerings, as well as its facilities and production processes. Komatsu also engages with customers to reduce emissions during product use through optimization programs supported by its technology and service solutions.

Dan Funcannon, vice president of North America engineering and development for Komatsu, highlighted the necessity of cross-industry collaboration in finding sustainable power solutions for essential mining and construction equipment.

Testing and Development of Hydrogen-Powered Mining Trucks

GM and Komatsu plan to test the first HYDROTEC-powered prototype mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds (AZPG). This groundbreaking vehicle will be powered by over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes, a testament to the potential of hydrogen fuel cells in heavy machinery.

With over 50 years of experience in fuel cell research and development, GM stands as a pioneer in the field. Both GM and Komatsu believe that this partnership will not only advance the adoption of lower-emission mobility solutions in mining but also contribute to meeting sustainability goals across various industries.