The world may be moving toward electric cars, but commercial-sized trucks still lack an electric answer. Instead of focusing solely on electric vehicles, large trucks can use hydrogen to become zero-emission vehicles and provide power for heavy workloads. It might be time for the range of hydrogen-powered engines currently on offer.
What distinguishes a Cummins engine?
Early versions of Cummins diesel engines were built for heavy duty work. These engines are durable, reliable and powerful, giving fleet operators engines they can rely on to handle the toughest workloads. These motors are ideal for the tough and demanding work on some of the toughest job sites.
He tells us that Cummins is developing a new powertrain that uses the H2 molecule. Could we see the hydrogen-powered Ram HD trucks still bearing the Cummins name?
Did the name of this mover put their money where their mouth is?
Cummins not only supplies the diesel engines found in Ram HD trucks, but it also makes engines for many commercial truck brands, and builds power generators. In a recent announcement, Cummins announced plans to construct a new 500-megawatt electrolyser facility in Fridley, Minnesota, to produce hydrogen gas. This facility will only be powered by renewable energy, making it a carbon neutral facility.
How does the Cummins hydrogen engine work?
We may be very close to seeing Cummins’ 6.7-liter diesel B6.7H model, which will be the hydrogen version of that engine. This new engine can replace many diesel models and maintain working numbers.
Transition to a new truck that offers the same performance, cargo capacity and payload as a diesel truck. You can learn more about this in the Cummins video below.
How much power can this new engine deliver?
The new 6.7-liter hydrogen engine is rated at 290 horsepower and 886 lb-ft of torque. This power output is similar to what we see in the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine, which produces impressive levels of torque.
This new hydrogen engine offers a great deal of power to replace diesel models in medium-duty trucks, and can be easily integrated with diesel powertrain components. This can make it one of the easiest replacements in the entire car market.
Could Cummins engine hydrogen production be more environmentally friendly?
Most battery electric vehicles still use energy gained from burning fossil fuels. This is something most environmentally conscious people want to stay away from. Hydrogen can be produced using electrolysis using electricity from solar panels and wind turbines. This would really reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint and allow for virtually CO2-free driving.
Are hydrogen emissions not entirely clean?
The potential exists for hydrogen engines to release some NOx into the atmosphere, but this can be eliminated by using aftermarket systems similar to what most diesel cars use today. If the United States converted commercial and heavy-duty trucks to hydrogen, it would eliminate nearly 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Cummins’ new range of hydrogen engines can quickly replace the diesel engines found in most heavy-duty and commercial trucks. This could be a big step towards protecting our environment and using alternative fuels for commercial trucks.
Next, check out the new Cummins hydrogen engine or learn more about it in the video below:
