Komatsu Enter the Hydrogen Race

Japanese based Komatsu, the second largest manufacturer of construction machinery in the world, has revealed some details on its hydrogen power ambitions.

The manufacturer has developed a concept machine for a medium-sized hydraulic excavator that combines a hydrogen fuel cell and Komatsu-developed key components to achieve carbon neutrality at workplaces of construction equipment.

By advancing the Proof of Concept (PoC) tests the company has started in May 2023, Komatsu say they will accelerate its efforts to embark on the commercial production of medium-sized and large construction equipment powered by hydrogen fuel cells in the near future.

In its mid-term management plan, Komatsu has committed to minimizing environmental impact through its business, targeting a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions from use of its products and production of its equipment by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) and a challenge target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. To help its customers achieve carbon neutrality, Komatsu has been leading the way, providing a variety of products, services and solutions that reduce environmental impact, such as its long-established hybrid hydraulic excavators and more recently launched electric mini excavators.

The Komatsu PC210E electric powered excavator on display at ConExpo-Con/Agg

For the new concept machine, Komatsu has adopted a hydrogen fuel cell system and hydrogen tank, which were produced by Toyota, on Komatsu's medium-sized hydraulic excavator. In addition to Komatsu's comprehensive control technology, the combination of Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell system and Komatsu key components, Komatsu is working toward zero exhaust emissions and a significant reduction in noise and vibration, while delivering the same powerful digging performance and high operability as engine-driven excavators.

Medium-sized and large construction equipment requires a power source with higher energy density than that of small construction equipment, which has led the move to electrification with batteries. Because hydrogen has a higher energy density and can be refuelled in a shorter time than recharging batteries, Komatsu has been advancing its R&D efforts as a promising electrification choice for medium-sized and large models.

Source: Komatsu.com