GM is bringing its Hydrotec Power Cube hydrogen fuel cell technology to another heavy truck project shortly after inking a deal to collaborate with Autocar in developing hydrogen-powered Class 8 trucks, this time partnering with mining and construction vehicle maker Komatsu.
Komatsu and The General will work together on a hydrogen 930E electric drive mining truck, GM announced. The 930E is one of Komatsu’s most popular models, according to the press release.
The Komatsu 930E mining truck is a massive vehicle capable of hauling 230 tons and powered by an electric drive linked to a 2,700-horsepower diesel engine – a powerplant weighing nearly 10 tons itself. GM notes that the colossal trucks usually operate at a single mine for their entire lifespan, a factor that “simplifies the challenges of sizing and deploying an effective hydrogen refueling infrastructure.”
The hydrogen technology of GM’s Hydrotec Power Cubes offers the intense energy output needed to operate extreme-duty equipment like the Komatsu 930E. Another key advantage includes very quick refueling, minimizing downtime unlike the lengthy charging required for a battery-electric powerplant. The light weight of hydrogen fuel cells keeps overall vehicle weight lower, enabling bigger payloads.
Hydrotec’s global executive director, Charlie Freese, observes that “mining trucks are among the largest, most capable vehicles used in any industry” and declares that for this reason, “hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to deliver zero emissions propulsion to these demanding applications.” He also remarked that hydrogen is currently a better match for extreme-duty commercial applications than passenger vehicles.
The GM alliance and use of Power Cubes will aid Komatsu in reaching two self-imposed deadlines. These include cutting its worldwide emissions by 50 percent by the end of this decade in 2030. Looking further ahead, 2050 is targeted by Komatsu as the date when it will seek to be completely carbon neutral.
An SAE report notes The General has considered its Hydrotec technology to be mature enough for practical commercial deployment since summer 2023.
The Power Cube modular hydrogen fuel cell system is a key element of the tech, offering a high-efficiency arrangement of 300 second-generation fuel cells and cutting its platinum use by 75 percent compared to the first-gen cell to just 20 grams.
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Comments
Imagine a new Silverado EV as big as that truck!
The Hummer EV is almost as heavy, lol.
Reminiscent of the GM’s involvement in Euclid and the old Terex division. Hydrotech is becomong a lot like Detroit Diesel was back in the day.
Other than Detroit diesel was successful and still exists to this day.
Detroit Diesel these days isn’t much more than a proprietary engine supplier to DNTA. You only see Detroits in Freightliner and Western Star trucks, along with some Pierce fire apparatus. Detroit back in the 60’s and 70’s was one of the largest suppliers of industrial/construction diesel engines. They were everywhere, not just in trucks. That part of Detroit Diesel was spun off to MTU years ago. It looks like GM is pushing Hydrotec into those industrial markets that Detroit was so strong in years ago.