When you think about hydrogen-powered vehicles, what comes to mind? The Toyota Mirai or the Hyundai Nexo?
If that’s the case, you need to think bigger. Much, much bigger as General Motors and Komatsu are teaming up for a hydrogen-powered mining truck. The model will be based on the Komatsu 930E Series, which currently has a diesel-electric powertrain producing up to 3,500 hp (2,610 kW / 3,549 PS).
The companies didn’t go into many specifics, but said the partnership is focused on developing a hydrogen fuel cell power module for the vehicle. If everything goes according to plan, GM and Komatsu intend to test the first prototype in the mid-2020’s at a research and development facility in Arizona. The firms added the vehicle will be “powered by over 2 megawatts of Hydrotec power cubes.”
More: GM Envisions Using Fuel Cells To Recharge EVs Without Having To Connect To The Grid
For their part, GM said hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines as they’re lightweight and can be refueled quickly. The automaker also noted these trucks usually only work one mine their entire life, so hydrogen refueling infrastructure shouldn’t be much of an issue.
GM’s Charlie Freese added, “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.” They also fit nicely with Komatsu’s goal of reducing emissions 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
