Automaker General Motors (GM) and heavy equipment manufacturer Komatsu have announced a collaborative effort to co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s electric drive mining truck, the 930E. The partnership aims to design and validate hydrogen fuel cell technology that can cater to the demanding requirements of large-scale mining trucks, which are among the most substantial and capable vehicles across industries.
Charlie Freese, the Executive Director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC business, highlighted the suitability of hydrogen fuel cells for powering mining trucks, emphasizing their potential to deliver zero-emissions propulsion in challenging applications. GM brings over 50 years of experience in hydrogen fuel cell research and development, boasting technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
The Komatsu 930E electric drive mining truck, known for its nominal payload of 320 tons, stands out as an ideal candidate for hydrogen fuel cell adoption, offering a zero tailpipe emissions solution for extreme hauling vehicles. The unique operational characteristics of mining trucks, typically confined to a single mine throughout their life, simplify the implementation of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.
The collaboration between GM and Komatsu will see the testing of a prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds research and development facility. The prototype mining truck is set to be equipped with over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes, showcasing the viability of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the mining sector.
Komatsu has established ambitious environmental goals, targeting a 50% reduction in global emissions by 2030 and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Similarly, GM has committed to carbon neutrality in both products and operations by 2040. The joint venture aligns with these sustainability objectives and represents a strategic move towards reducing the carbon footprint in the mining industry through innovative hydrogen-powered solutions.
The collaboration underscores the increasing momentum in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty applications, with mining trucks serving as a crucial segment for decarbonization efforts.
