Cummins Finds Customer for Hydrogen ICE Technology

Engine manufacturer Cummins will supply Transport Enterprise Leasing (TEL) with 15.0L hydrogen-fueled internal-combustion engines under a letter of intent signed between the two companies.

TEL will purchase the Cummins X15H hydrogen engines when available and integrate them into their fleet of heavy-duty trucks.

Cummins announced in February it had redesigned its B, L and X-Series engine portfolios to run on hydrogen in addition to diesel and natural gas. The so-called fuel-agnostic platform includes the hydrogen option in 6.7L displacement as well as 15.0L.

The platform uses engine blocks and core components that share common architectures and a high degree of parts commonality. Largely similar components will be below the head gasket of each engine, while different components for different, individual fuel types will be above the head gasket.

Parts commonality will offer increased benefits for both truck OEMs and end users, including similar engine footprints, diagnostics and service intervals, Cummins says. This means it will be easier for OEMs to integrate a variety of fuel types across the same truck chassis with minimal costs of training technicians and retooling service locations, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership for the end user. 

“Our customers are at the heart of our company. Providing them with the best-value trucks equipped with lower-emissions power options will ensure that we are prioritizing their continued success and also reducing our environmental footprint,” says Doug Carmichael, CEO of TEL. “Cummins’ investment in multiple technologies minimizing emissions allows us to achieve both.”

Adds Jim Nebergall, general manager-Cummins Hydrogen Engine Business: “We believe this technology is not only essential for the future of our planet but also for our customers to have access to options that work for them. Internal-combustion engines that run on hydrogen will provide customers a financially feasible and familiar power option.”

Cummins will display both medium- and heavy-duty hydrogen products, highlighting the technology’s ability to support decarbonization across multiple duty cycles, at this month’s industrial-technology trade show in Hannover, Germany.

TEL leases more than 8,500 pieces of equipment throughout the U.S., averaging 6,000 wholesale equipment transactions per year.

Cummins comprises complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products include diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components.

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