Tokyo, Japan - Komatsu Ltd., a construction and mining equipment manufacturer, has introduced the HD785 rigid-frame dump truck, a large dump truck powered by a hydrogen combustion engine. The modified HD785 truck is undergoing proof-of-concept testing at Komatsu’s Ibaraki Plant. Designed with a 92-metric-ton payload capacity, the truck’s diesel variant produces 1,200 horsepower.
This is the world's first large dump truck with a hydrogen combustion engine. Komatsu aims to use these tests to gain insights into hydrogen engine technology, paving the way for future hydrogen-powered construction and mining equipment.
The hydrogen combustion truck is the outcome of a collaboration with German startup KEYOU GmbH., a retrofit hydrogen engines manufacturer. These engines are designed to convert existing diesel engines into hydrogen-powered systems, enabling a more sustainable alternative for heavy-duty vehicles.
Unlike hydrogen fuel-cell technology, which generates electricity from hydrogen to power an electric motor, a hydrogen combustion engine operates similarly to traditional internal combustion engines. Instead of gasoline or diesel, it burns hydrogen as fuel, providing a familiar yet cleaner alternative for heavy machinery.
The hydrogen combustion system is more cost-effective than battery power or hydrogen fuel cells, as it can utilize many of the same powertrain components found in diesel engines. Additionally, it produces almost zero emissions, with water vapor being the primary byproduct, making it a cleaner alternative for heavy-duty vehicles.
On the concept HD785, the hydrogen tank is positioned on a platform near the cab, optimizing storage capacity for hydrogen. To enhance operator visibility, Komatsu has incorporated cameras and monitors, ensuring a safer and more efficient operation.
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