Cummins, Komatsu cooperating on zero-emissions haul trucks

Cummins Inc. and Komatsu Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development of zero-emissions haulage equipment. The companies, which have a long history of diesel engine collaboration, will initially focus on zero-emissions power technologies, including hydrogen fuel cell solutions, for large mining haul truck applications.

Cummins and Komatsu will collaborate on the development of zero-emissions equipment, with and initial focus on zero-emissions power technologies for large mining haul truck applications. (Photo: Komatsu)

“Komatsu’s deep expertise in mining and equipment design and integration paired with our advanced power technologies including hydrogen fuel cells will accelerate decarbonization of mining equipment,” said Amy Davis, vice president and president of New Power at Cummins. “The mining industry has great potential to lead in adopting renewable solutions.”

In August 2021, Komatsu announced a power-agnostic truck concept for a haulage vehicle that can run on a variety of power sources, including diesel electric, trolley, battery power and hydrogen fuel cells. Working with Cummins is complementary to Komatsu’s development of the power-agnostic truck.

With its heritage as a power provider for the mining segment, Cummins said it provides unique application understanding that is critical to introducing reliable, quality products that can withstand the harshest environments. The company has a broad portfolio of batteries, fuel cell systems and electrolyzers, that are building blocks for decarbonization.

“Cummins has been a long-term partner of Komatsu and has been investing in the key technologies required to support the energy transition in mining,” said Masayuki Moriyama, president of Komatsu’s Mining Business Division. “These are critical technologies for helping mining customers reduce carbon emissions and accelerate carbon neutrality. Building on our partnership with Cummins, we are working to accelerate sustainable solutions for our customers.”

As a company, Komatsu is 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.

Komatsu also announced in 2021 the creation of its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) alliance with customers to actively collaborate on product planning, development, testing and deployment of the next generation of zero-emission mining equipment and infrastructure. The alliance’s initial target is advancing Komatsu’s power-agnostic truck concept, with a goal of commercial offering in 2030.

The collaboration with Komatsu is part of Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products and reach net zero emissions by 2050.