Cummins Inc. has announced that it has signed a letter of intent with a Canadian agricultural manufacturer to integrate hydrogen engines into equipment sold under the brand name Versatile.
The Columbus-based company said Monday that the collaboration with Canada-based Buhler Industries Inc. would involve 15-liter hydrogen engines and will help lead the decarbonization of the agriculture market.
The announcement did not include information on when the companies expect to bring hydrogen-powered agricultural equipment to market.
“Versatile is a longstanding manufacturer in the agriculture space with a reputation for excellence in tractors,” said General Manager Cummins Global Agriculture Business Ann Schmelzer in a statement. “Our companies share a commitment to technology, quality and dependability for our customers. Cummins is excited to be working with Versatile as we leverage our respective strengths to create new opportunities for both companies.”
The two companies have a relationship that dates back decades. Versatile has used Cummins engines exclusively in all of its four-wheel drive tractors since 1967, the companies said.
Monday’s announcement from Cummins was the latest in a series of efforts that the company has said it has taken to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial vehicles.
Last year, Cummins announced that is was testing a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine in what was the company’s latest effort to “meet the energy and environmental needs of the future.”
So far this year, Cummins has announced plans to create a prototype medium-duty, battery electric truck with Isuzu Motors Ltd., make hydrogen fuel cell powertrains with Daimler Trucks North America LLC and develop zero-emission mining truck applications with Komatsu.
