Together they are building what will become the prototype of the new truck for transporting materials used in mines, in the extraction of materials and so on. Retaining the traditional appearance and greater functionality of current vehicles, the new truck is totally new in the engines intended to move it. The latter are designed to progressively reduce emissions through a series of progressive revisions to its operation. They range from diesel combined with electric, to fuel cells, passing from hydrogen to full electric. The results obtained with this first vehicle will then be extended to the entire range, defining which of the various engines will become the standard (electric, probably).
Komatsu, which already offers hybrid and electric vehicles, intends to halve within 2030 “its” CO2 emissions (compared to 2010 data) not only as regards vehicles but also the technologies used to produce them. The ultimate goal is to completely eliminate them by 2050 by sharing the results obtained in the development of new vehicles with other companies. The first to test the latest engines will be Rio Tinto, one of the largest mining companies in the world, as soon as the first 100% functioning units are available.
And it is not long before we move from announcements to real construction sites, less than a month. The new vehicles and all the improvements they offer on the environmental side will be presented in Las Vegas from 13 to 15 September during the MinEXPO fair. The event features the latest mining technologies and this year will be held with the public in attendance, giving Komatsu all the attention it needs.