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GM and Komatsu will add hydrogen fuel cells to an electric mining truck
Michelle Lewis | Dec 12 2023 - 9:49 am PT
Full Article: https://electrek.co/2023/12/12/gm-komatsu-electric-mining-truck-hydrogen-fuel-cells/
GM and Komatsu will codevelop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s electric drive mining truck – here’s why that makes sense.
-snip-
GM has been conducting hydrogen fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years and has homegrown technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
Hydrogen fuel cells are a great zero tailpipe emissions solution for extreme hauling vehicles like the Komatsu 930E mining truck, with a nominal payload of 320 tons. Mining trucks typically operate at a single mine throughout their life, and that simplifies the challenge of rolling out a hydrogen refueling station.
GM and Komatsu are aiming to test the prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds research and development facility. The prototype mining truck will be powered by over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes.
Komatsu’s targets are a 50% reduction of global emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. GM aims to be carbon-neutral in products and operations by 2040.
-snip-
GM has been conducting hydrogen fuel cell research and product development for more than 50 years and has homegrown technology platforms for both lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
Hydrogen fuel cells are a great zero tailpipe emissions solution for extreme hauling vehicles like the Komatsu 930E mining truck, with a nominal payload of 320 tons. Mining trucks typically operate at a single mine throughout their life, and that simplifies the challenge of rolling out a hydrogen refueling station.
GM and Komatsu are aiming to test the prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds research and development facility. The prototype mining truck will be powered by over 2 megawatts of HYDROTEC power cubes.
Komatsu’s targets are a 50% reduction of global emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. GM aims to be carbon-neutral in products and operations by 2040.
And this about Komatsu’s new electric mini excavator:
The 115-volt electrical architecture PC33E-6, which Komatsu has introduced into the European market, has a 17.4 kW Komatsu electric motor and a 35 kWh Komatsu lithium-ion battery pack.
It features a 400V charger (external) input and can charge from 20-100% in just over an hour and a half. According to Heavy Equipment Guide, Komatsu introduced its own EV charging solutions at CONEXPO in March, including mobile charging for mini-excavators that is designed for environments with no power supply.
Emanuele Viel, group manager of utility at Komatsu, said:
"The PC33E-6 features large capacity batteries and a highly efficient powerline, enabling most customers to work nonstop for a full shift before having to recharge. Thanks to a lightning-fast charging system, downtime is significantly reduced, allowing for increased productivity and efficiency on the job site."
The electric mini excavator has better performance than its diesel counterpart – Komatsu says its over-side lift capacity is more than 40% greater than its PC30MR-5 diesel model.
Full Article: https://electrek.co/2023/07/21/komatsu-electric-mini-excavator/