Feb 19, 2025
Komatsu Ltd. (President and CEO: Hiroyuki Ogawa) has developed a concept machine by equipping its flagship large dump truck, the HD785 (maximum payload: approximately 92 metric tons), with a hydrogen combustion engine (*1). The company has commenced proof-of-concept tests at its Ibaraki Plant (Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture). This marks the world’s first attempt (*2) to equip a large dump truck with a hydrogen combustion engine. Through these tests, Komatsu aims to accumulate knowledge on hydrogen engine utilization, laying the foundation for future development of “hydrogen-powered construction and mining equipment.”
【A concept machine of a large dump truck equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine】
Komatsu has been advancing the development and utilization of new power sources to achieve carbon neutrality. While developing hydrogen engines as one of the options, Komatsu has focused on the technological expertise of KEYOU GmbH (hereinafter referred to as KEYOU), a German startup company, which specialized in the development and implementation of hydrogen engines for large trucks. The concept machine is equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine and hydrogen tank system, which are co-developed by Komatsu and KEYOU. The hydrogen tank is mounted on a platform beside the operator’s cab to maximize hydrogen storage capacity. Additionally, to ensure clear visibility for the operator, cameras and monitors have been newly installed both inside and outside the cab. The proof-of-concept tests will focus on evaluating driving performance, continuous operating hours, fuel efficiency, and verifying safety measures related to high-pressure hydrogen gas usage.
Compared to batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the use of hydrogen combustion engines in construction and mining equipment has the advantage of a relatively lower cost, because the power-train components of existing diesel-powered machines can be used without replacement. Furthermore, with virtually zero CO2 emissions, some mining customers have expressed interest in adopting hydrogen engines as one of the options to achieve carbon neutrality at their sites. While there are challenges such as safety management and infrastructure for hydrogen supply, Komatsu will work to address these issues in collaboration with industry associations and other related stakeholders.
Under its mid-term management plan, Komatsu has set the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50% from our products in use and in our production operations, each by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels), with the challenging target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To date, the company has introduced hydraulic excavators, tethered electric hydraulic excavators, and small and medium-sized battery-powered hydraulic excavators to the market. In addition, Komatsu is working on various environmentally responsive technologies from all aspects, including the utilization of carbon-neutral fuels, the development of power supply systems for battery-equipped construction equipment, proof-of-concept tests for hydrogen fuel cell-powered excavator, and the development of a power agnostic truck (*3).
Komatsu remains committed to addressing diverse environmental needs through in-house technological development, open innovation, strategic partnerships, aiming for the achievement of carbon neutrality.
(*1) Hydrogen combustion engine: An engine that operates exclusively on hydrogen fuel.
(*2) Based on Komatsu’s research.
(*3) A dump truck capable of operating with multiple power sources, including diesel-electric, battery-electric, trolley (wired), fuel cell, and hydrogen.
Related information:
No : 0083（3308）
Corporate Communications Department
Sustainability Promotion Division
Komatsu Ltd.
tel: +81-(0)3-6849-9703
mail: JP00MB_cc_department@global.komatsu
*The information may be subject to change without notice.
