KEYOU Collaborates with Komatsu to Create Hydrogen-Powered Dump Truck
KEYOU, a hydrogen technology company based in Munich, has partnered with the renowned Japanese construction and mining equipment manufacturer, Komatsu, to create the first-ever 12-cylinder hydrogen engine for large dump trucks. Currently, proof-of-concept testing is being conducted at Komatsu’s facility in Ibaraki, marking a significant step towards advancing hydrogen-powered equipment for construction and mining sectors.
As a frontrunner in the field of hydrogen combustion engines, KEYOU is actively engaging in multiple development projects for select original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company is assisting major manufacturers in adapting their combustion engines for hydrogen use, applicable in both on-road and off-road settings. Furthermore, KEYOU’s proprietary technology is implemented in their own hydrogen-powered trucks, which are provided to transportation and logistics firms under the “H2 Mobility as a Service” framework. The launch of KEYOU’s pioneering fleet, weighing 18 tons, is on the horizon, with the first truck officially handed over to EP Trans, based in Regensburg, Germany, late last year. This Munich-based high-tech firm distinguishes itself from other hydrogen mobility providers by leveraging its deep technological expertise rather than merely buying and leasing vehicles.
A Collaborative Effort Since 2023
The partnership between KEYOU and Komatsu was sparked at the World Hydrogen Technologies Conference held in Tokyo in 2019, where KEYOU was the sole exhibitor discussing the potential of hydrogen combustion engines, which attracted Komatsu’s interest. The collaborative dump truck project was officially launched in April 2023, with the inaugural milestone—the First Firing of the engine—achieved nearly a year later at KEYOU’s partner KST in Bad Dürkheim, Germany. The First Firing of the vehicle took place in January 2025, marking the commencement of proof-of-concept tests at Komatsu’s Ibaraki plant, paving the way for the development of additional hydrogen-powered construction and mining machinery. Komatsu aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels and achieve complete climate neutrality by 2050.
A Significant Step Towards Carbon Neutrality in the Industry
Taisuke Kusaba, Senior Executive Officer (Jomu) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Komatsu, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating:
“We are very excited to launch this project. With KEYOU’s excellent collaboration, we are pleased to announce the initiation of proof-of-concept tests with a large dump truck equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine.”
Kusaba emphasized that the development marks significant progress towards Komatsu’s carbon neutrality goals:
“This is a significant achievement in our efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. Going forward, we will continue to advance this technology as a key part of our carbon neutrality strategy.”
A Milestone in KEYOU’s Journey
For KEYOU, this collaboration represents a pivotal milestone in its decade-long history. COO and CTO Markus Schneider commented:
“Our partnership with Komatsu is currently our most significant customer project in the off-road commercial vehicle segment, showcasing the capabilities of KEYOU-inside technology in challenging environments.”
Schneider reiterated the importance of their partnership, highlighting a foundation of mutual trust and strong collaboration.
In addition to the jointly developed hydrogen engine, the dump truck features a 700 bar tank system from Argo-Anleg, strategically placed beside the driver’s cabin to enhance storage capacity. The ongoing proof-of-concept tests will prioritize assessing the truck’s performance, operational hours, and fuel efficiency.
Stay updated with the latest developments in the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central.
Source: KEYOU develops Hydrogen-Powered Dump Truck for Global Construction Equipment Leader Komatsu
