GM, Komatsu to develop hydrogen fuel cells for electric mining truck

General Motors and Komatsu announced on Tuesday their collaborative venture to develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module designed for the 930E electric drive mining truck produced by the Japanese construction machinery manufacturer. In a statement, Charlie Freese, the executive director of Hydrotec, GM's fuel cell unit, emphasized the appropriateness of hydrogen fuel cells for achieving zero-emission propulsion in the challenging applications of mining trucks, which are recognized as some of the largest and most robust vehicles in any industry.

The joint effort aims to conduct tests on a prototype of the 930E mining truck, equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell power system, by the mid-2020s. With a nominal payload capacity of 320 tons, this mining truck is a substantial platform for assessing the viability of hydrogen fuel cells in demanding operational contexts.

One strategic aspect highlighted by GM and Komatsu is the advantage of deploying hydrogen refueling infrastructure for mining trucks, given that these vehicles typically operate within a single mine throughout their lifespan. This focused operational scope is seen as a facilitator for establishing efficient hydrogen refueling solutions tailored to the specific needs of the mining truck fleet.

The interest in hydrogen fuel cells for trucks and vans has surged as fleet operators seek practical alternatives to traditional electric vehicles. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are expected to replace most combustion engine cars and short-distance vans and lorries over the next couple of decades, advocates for fuel cells argue that batteries may not be suitable for heavy-duty applications like mining trucks. The primary challenges cited include the weight of batteries, extended charging times, and concerns about overloading power grids. Consequently, hydrogen fuel cells are considered a promising solution for meeting the demanding requirements of long-haul fleet operations and heavy-duty vehicles.