A hydrogen engine-powered dump truck for use within the construction sector, has been developed by Keyou and Komatsu. This machine is a 12-cylinder and the companies have stated that it is a ‘world’s first.’

A huge aim of this project for the Japanese firm, is to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 50% by 2030 and alongside this, they are also hoping that by 2050, it will be possible for them to achieve climate neutrality.

Now that the project is underway, the Japanese construction equipment manufacturer and the German-based hydrogen technology firm have moved the project forwards. This next step which is now the current focus, is running proof-of-concept tests at the former’s Ibaraki plant. These tests will do the job of evaluating the vehicle’s driving performance, as well as its continuous operating hours and finally, its fuel efficiency.

It has been revealed that this impressive new piece of equipment includes a 700 bar tank system, which was provided by Argo-Anleg. This system is efficiently mounted beside the cab, in order to ensure maximum storage capacity.

This new project is a brilliant development for both companies, especially as it builds on a pre-existing six-year long partnership. It was back in 2023 when the companies began working together on the hydrogen-powered dump truck. Then in 2024 the first firing on the engine was successfully trialed. This success occurred in Germany, specifically, Keyou partner, KST in Bad Dürkheim.

From there the first firing of the vehicle was completed in January of 2025 and this marked the beginning of the proof-of-concept tests.

Senior Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and President of the Development Division at Komatsu, Taisuke Kusaba, stated that, ‘the two companies will “continue to develop this technology as one of the key pillars of our carbon incentives.”’