Komatsu and General Motors will design and validate a hydrogen fuel cell for use in the 930E electric haul truck. The truck will be powered by Hydrotec fuel cells.
Hydrogen fuel cells are lightweight and quick to refuel, according to Komatsu, so will allow the trucks to pack large quantities of energy onboard without diminishing payload capacity. The cells will be used for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel.
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Because mining trucks typically spend their entire useful life in a single mine, the challenges of sizing and deploying a hydrogen refueling structure to service the fleet are reduced.
“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 said the 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.
