General Motors and Komatsu have announced a partnership that will see the two companies co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck.
GM is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Komatsu is a global manufacturer of mining and construction equipment. Together, they will jointly design and validate the technology.
After BEV (battery electric vehicles), the next most popular sustainable fuel technology is hydrogen-based, though the jury is still out as to which technology is either better for the planet or better for the operator’s pocketbook.
As of now, BEV technology holds an advantage with consumers.
However, lightweight and quick to refuel, hydrogen fuel cells are described by GM and Komatsu as being ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines.
They point out that 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 lives, 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,” explained Charlie Freese, Executive Director of GM’s Global HYDROTEC fuel cell business. “Mining trucks are among the largest and most capable vehicles used in any industry, and we believe hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to deliver zero-emission 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.
Komatsu has set a target of reducing its global emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The plans for achieving these goals include reducing and eliminating emissions within the company’s product offerings as well as in the company’s facilities and production of its products. Komatsu also works closely with its customers to reduce and eliminate emissions during product use through optimization programs supported by its own technology and service solutions.
GM’s target is to be fully carbon neutral in both products and operations 10 years earlier, by 2040.
“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,” commented Dan Funcannon, the Vice President of North America Engineering and Development for Komatsu. “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.”
GM and Komatsu intend to test the 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 two megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes.
GM has been conducting fuel cell research and product development for over 50 years and is one of the few companies with advanced, homegrown technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. GM and Komatsu believe these complementary technologies can help spur the adoption of lower-emission mobility solutions and help other industries beyond passenger vehicles meet their sustainability goals.
Komatsu develops and manufactures technologies for the construction, mining, forklift, industrial, and forestry markets.
More information on the two companies may be found at www.gm.com and www.komatsu.com.