![](/remote/aHR0cHM6Ly9naWVjZG4uYmxvYi5jb3JlLndpbmRvd3MubmV0L2ZpbGV1cGxvYWRzL2ltYWdlLzIwMjMvMTIvMTMvZ20ta29tYXRzdS1oeWRyb2dlbi10ZWNobm9sb2d5LTk0OC5qcGc.8rJ0Tw_RknU.jpg?w=948&h=533&format=webp&mode=pad&anchor=middlecenter&scale=both&bgcolor=F0F1F2)
Photo courtesy of Komatsu
General Motors and Komatsu recently announced that the companies will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining, ultra-class haul truck. GM, a provider of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Komatsu, a manufacturer of mining and construction equipment, will jointly design and validate the technology.
Lightweight and quick to refuel, hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen provides an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard the vehicle, without compromising payload carrying capacity.
Additionally, fuel cells provide an excellent zero tailpipe emissions solution for vehicles with extreme hauling requirements, like the Komatsu 930E mining truck, with its nominal payload of 320 tons. These vehicles typically operate at a single mine throughout their life, which simplifies the challenges of sizing and deploying an effective hydrogen refueling infrastructure to service the vehicle fleet.
“At GM, we believe fuel cells can play an integral role in a zero-emissions future, helping to electrify heavier-duty applications, beyond passenger vehicles,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC business. “Mining trucks are among the largest, most capable vehicles used in any industry, and we believe hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to deliver zero emissions propulsion to these demanding applications.”
Komatsu’s fuel cell-powered mining trucks will provide an additional pathway for decarbonization beyond battery-trolley or battery-static charging solutions, without the need for additional charging infrastructure within mines.
GM and Komatsu intend to test the first prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds (AZPG) research and development facility. This vehicle will be powered by over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes.
Latest from EV Design & Manufacturing
- Ampure appoints D.J. Gregory to newly created President of Industrial PosiCharge position
- AIMS Metrology demonstrates multisensor measurement technology at IMTS 2024
- IMTS 2024 Conference: From Crisis to Catalyst: Cobot Welding - The Answer We Weren’t Looking For
- EV battery expert discusses changes and challenges in the industry
- Sandvik Coromant to showcase holistic machining and engineering solutions at IMTS 2024
- IMTS 2024 Conference: Software Transforming the Supply Chain with Manufacturing Quality at the Center
- #37 Lunch + Learn - Automated Workholding Advancements and the Next Generation of Workholding with SMW Autoblok
- Schneider Electric and AVEVA partner with IN-CORE Systèmes to improve electric vehicle battery production process