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GM and Komatsu Collaborate on Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Mining Truck

December 16, 2023

General Motors and Komatsu are collaborating to develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck.

The two companies will jointly design and validate the technology. Hydrogen fuel cells, which are lightweight and quick to refuel, could be ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. They provide an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard the vehicle, without compromising payload carrying capacity.

Fuel cells also provide a zero tailpipe emissions solution for vehicles with extreme hauling requirements, such as the Komatsu 930E mining truck, which has a nominal payload of 320 tons. These vehicles typically operate at a single mine throughout their life, simplifying the challenges of sizing and deploying an effective hydrogen refueling infrastructure to service the vehicle fleet.

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. Komatsu has set a target of reducing its global emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. GM aims to be fully carbon-neutral in both products and operations by 2040.

GM and Komatsu plan 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.

Charlie Freese, executive director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC business, stated, “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. 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.”

Dan Funcannon, vice president of North America engineering and development for Komatsu, said, “Finding new ways to power the equipment our customers need to do the vital work of mining and construction is a critical part of our commitment to supporting a more sustainable future. This is essential work that requires cross-industry collaboration, and we are excited to be working with GM on this important solution for a haulage offering without tailpipe emissions.”