GM, Komatsu forge hydrogen partnership

Revolutionizing heavy-duty commercial equipment, General Motors and Komatsu have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration, aiming to power mining haul trucks with hydrogen fuel cells, driving cleaner operations and moving toward the ambitious goal of zero-carbon emissions.

Lightweight and quick to refuel, hydrogen fuel cells are hailed as the ideal solution to electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines.

Powered by the universe's most abundant material, the same substance that perpetually fuels the Sun, hydrogen fuel cells offer possibly the most efficient power source for transportation. With clean water vapor as the sole byproduct, they contain substantial onboard energy without compromising payload capacity, making hydrogen fuel cells the future's mobility power source.

Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cells provide a pollution-free outcome for vehicles with demanding hauling needs, such as the Komatsu 930E mining truck boasting a nominal payload of 320 tons, which the companies have announced a collaborative effort to install a hydrogen fuel module to power.

Expected to operate exclusively within a single mine throughout its lifespan, the challenges of fitting a mine for the necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure are greatly simplified, especially concerning sizing and deploying a system to serve an entire mining fleet.

If paired with other renewable technologies, mine sites could very well become some of the cleanest and most energy-efficient operations in the commercial sector.

"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 General Motor'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."

The forefront of GM electrification

Since its inception in 2017, HYDROTEC has been at the forefront of General Motors' commitment to electrification, a vision that solidified with GM's rebrand in 2021. This hydrogen propulsion technology represents a cutting-edge system applicable across military, commercial, and aviation sectors.

Housed in power cubes that themselves hold over 300 fuel cells, HYDROTEC efficiently converts hydrogen into electricity, emitting only clean water. Complementing GM's Ultium battery and drive technologies, HYDROTEC offers a versatile solution with benefits such as reduced emissions, lower weight compared to conventional electric vehicle battery packs and enhanced operational capabilities.

Previous partnerships with Navistar, Wabtec, and Liebherr-Aerospace underscore HYDROTEC's adaptability and potential in revolutionizing diverse industries.

Building on its successful collaborations, GM is now aiming for Komatsu's world-class lineup of heavy equipment.

Powering Komatsu mining equipment

In line with Komatsu's commitment to reducing its global emissions, its goals already align seamlessly with GM's objective to be fully carbon neutral in both products and operations by 2040.

As part of Komatsu's strategy to achieve a 50% reduction in global emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, the company is exploring innovative pathways for decarbonization. Recognizing the critical role of sustainable mining and construction practices, the collaborative effort between GM and Komatsu is intended to transform the mining industry.

"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," said 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."

Planning to first prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicles over the next couple of years at Komatsu's Arizona Proving Grounds research and development facility, this groundbreaking vehicle will be powered by over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes, showcasing the potential of complementary technologies in achieving lower-emission mobility solutions.

With over 50 years of fuel cell research and development, GM brings advanced technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells to the table. The collaborative efforts between GM and Komatsu aim to not only revolutionize the mining industry but also serve as a catalyst for other sectors to meet their sustainability goals.