Komatsu Mining has partnered with German hydrogen engine startup KEYOU to develop a conceptual “world’s first” 12-cylinder, hydrogen-powered rigid-frame mining haul truck.
Based on Komatsu’s flagship large dump truck – the HD785 – the concept truck is being equipped with what both parties are calling a “hydrogen combustion engine”.
Not to be confused with hydrogen fuel cells, Komatsu says the use of hydrogen combustion engines in construction and mining equipment has the advantage of a relatively lower cost to implement because the powertrain components of existing diesel-powered machines can be used without replacemen