GM And Komatsu Push Forward With Hydrogen-Powered Mining Truck

General Motors and Komatsu are thinking bigger about hydrogen-powered vehicles—they're collaborating on a hydrogen-powered mining truck. The truck will be based on the Komatsu 930E Series, known for its diesel-electric powertrain generating up to 3,500 hp.

While specific details are limited, the focus of this partnership is on developing a hydrogen fuel cell power module for the mining truck.

If successful, the first prototype is expected to undergo testing in the mid-2020s at an Arizona research and development facility. The vehicle is set to be "powered by over 2 megawatts of Hydrotec power cubes." GM highlighted the suitability of hydrogen fuel cells for electrifying applications traditionally reliant on diesel engines, emphasizing their lightweight nature and quick refueling capability.

With mining trucks often working in a single mine throughout their lifespan, GM anticipates that hydrogen refueling infrastructure won't pose significant challenges for these applications. Charlie Freese of GM stated, "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-emission propulsion to these demanding applications."

Komatsu wants to cut its emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Therefore, this partnership fits with those goals.