passWith a car and Komatsu willJoint developmentHydrogen fuel cellsElectric mining trucks
On December 12, 2023, it was reported that General Motors and Komatsu will jointly develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu's electric mining truck.
General Motors and mining and construction equipment giant Komatsu will jointly design and validate hydrogen fuel cell technology for the 930e electric mining truck.
"Mining trucks are one of the largest and most capable vehicles used in any industry, and we believe hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to provide zero-emission propulsion for these demanding applications," said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM's global hydrotec business. ”
GM has been engaged in hydrogen fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years, and has an independent technology platform for lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
Hydrogen fuel cells are a good zero-tailpipe solution for extreme transport vehicles with a rated payload of 320 tons, such as the Komatsu 930E minecart. Mining trucks often work at the same mine site all the time, which simplifies the challenge of rolling out hydrogen fueling stations.
GM and Komatsu plan to test a prototype of the Hydrotec powered mining vehicle at Komatsu's Arizona Proving Ground R&D facility around 2025. The prototype mining truck will be powered by more than 2 MW of the Hydrotec Power Cube.
gm hydrotec power cube
The GM Hydrotec Fuel Cell Power Cube, which contains more than 300 hydrogen fuel cells, provides 77 kW of power.
Each Power Cube contains more than 300 hydrogen fuel cells, as well as thermal and power management systems and proprietary controls for fuel cell and battery life and performance, while optimizing cold-start capability. The HydrotecPower Cube delivers 77 kilowatts of power, which is much quieter than conventional diesel propulsion systems. Multiple power cubes can be arranged in the vehicle for a higher power rating.
Previously, on December 7, 2023, General Motors (GM) also announced that it would supply Hydrotec fuel cells to Autocar to power specialized vehicles ranging from cement mixers to site tractors.
Komatsu aims to reduce global emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. GM's goal is to be carbon neutral in its products and operations by 2040.