The project aims to develop a full hydrogen ecosystem with a hydrogen producer, vehicle manufacturer and end user. It is the first MoU of its kind signed by Cummins. The four companies will unite their efforts to see Cummins' X15H hydrogen internal combustion engines integrated into the Terex Advance Commander Series of front-discharge concrete mixer trucks.
Edge Materials, LLC, a ready-mix concrete provider and Terex Advance customer, will operate the hydrogen-powered trucks in challenging real-world environments, including on construction sites and critical infrastructure projects. PCC Hydrogen, an ultra-low carbon intensity hydrogen producer based in Louisville, Kentucky, will supply the hydrogen fuel and stationary storage and dispensing services.
"While Cummins is investing in a range of power options to support decarbonisation, hydrogen internal combustion engines are emerging as a key technology to eliminate carbon emissions from heavy-duty sectors while retaining the power density and operational range typical of diesel engines," Jim Nebergall, General Manager - Hydrogen Engines at Cummins explained. "This collaboration represents an end-to-end demonstration of how hydrogen internal combustion engines work practically in tough applications using real trucks, real infrastructure and real end-users."
Aligned with Destination Zero - Cummins' strategy to reduce its products' greenhouse gas and air quality impacts - the four-company collaboration will spearhead a complete and viable approach to decarbonising mixer trucks without impacting vehicle performance.
David Grabner, General Manager at Terex Advance Mixer, added: "Customers expect Terex Advance concrete mixer trucks to deliver consistent and high-quality concrete efficiently and reliably while minimising environmental impact through reduced emissions and fuel consumption. Decarbonising concrete mixer trucks, however, can be difficult due to the energy demands and long operational hours. This project marks a significant milestone in our decarbonisation journey, as Cummins' X15H engines introduce an alternative, zero-carbon emissions option for our customers while providing the performance our trucks need to get the job done."
Cummins' hydrogen engines use proven internal combustion engine technology to use zero-carbon hydrogen fuel rather than traditional diesel. They are similar in architecture to today's diesel and natural gas-powered engines, offering heavier-duty, longer-range applications a route to decarbonise without major changes to vehicle designs and at a lower upfront cost than current zero-carbon alternatives.
Dana Boyd, President of Edge Materials LLC, concludes: "We are excited to be facilitating the combined efforts of Cummins, Terex Advance and PCC Hydrogen to demonstrate a real-life carbon reduction system for concrete delivery. As industries are looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions, we will be aligning our pioneering efforts utilising the X15H engine in front-discharge concrete mixer trucks to show that hydrogen technology is a viable alternative fuel for demanding on- and off-highway environments."
