Cummins and Komatsu Ltd., a global supplier of mining and construction equipment, signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop a hybrid powertrain system for heavy mining equipment used in open-pit haulage. 

Under the cooperation plan, Komatsu has invited its drive system supplier Wabtec to join, with the three parties working together to provide advanced, reliable powertrain solutions and optimization for a new generation of hybrid mining equipment. 

Leveraging their deep expertise in diesel engine solutions across various mining and construction equipment applications, Cummins and Komatsu will incorporate hybrid technology into their product roadmaps through this initiative, advancing the gradual decarbonization of large mining haul truck applications. 

This joint development will combine the breadth and scale of Komatsu's and Cummins' global resources to accelerate the launch of optimized hybrid solutions for mining. Retrofit hybrid kits can help mining customers begin their decarbonization journey immediately while reducing the operating costs of existing fleets: saving fuel through regenerative braking energy recovery and improving efficiency by shortening work cycles.

We are pleased to reach this new cooperation with Komatsu to bring the latest technology to the mining industry. Cummins' project team includes former First Mode hybrid development and optimization experts, and will work with Komatsu to provide more power options for the mining market, accelerating decarbonization in the mining market and reducing total cost of ownership.

— Gbile Adewunmi, Vice President, Cummins Industrial Power Business 

In February of this year, Cummins completed its acquisition of First Mode, which provided key capabilities for the project and accelerated the development pace; the first prototypes will be deployed within the year. 

Cooperation with Cummins is an important milestone in advancing decarbonization solutions. Together we are building a technology bridge between today's mining operational needs and future low-carbon goals, helping customers achieve sustainable development.

— Dan Funcannon, Senior Vice President, Komatsu Surface Haulage Business

Like Komatsu, Cummins is committed to reducing environmental impact through multiple pathways, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the use and production of its products by 2050. Hybridization is the first step toward this goal, while significantly reducing total cost of ownership through fuel savings and efficiency gains. 

In 2024, Cummins and Komatsu also collaborated with Vale to develop haul trucks capable of running on diesel-ethanol dual fuel to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Cummins has been deeply engaged in the Chinese mining market for many years, continuously increasing investment in its traditional engine business as well as in electrification solutions in recent years. This cooperation will effectively leverage First Mode's industry expertise to help mining customers accelerate their decarbonization journey with better solutions, reduce operating costs, and improve operational efficiency.