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

General Motors and Komatsu, a global manufacturer of mining and construction equipment, will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck. GM and Komatsu will jointly design and validate the technology.

The two companies 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.

GM has been conducting fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years, and is one of the only companies with advanced, homegrown technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. 

Komatsu has set a target of reducing its global emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

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

“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,” adds Dan Funcannon, 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’s target is to be fully carbon neutral in both products and operations by 2040.