Cummins’ majority purchase of Hydrogenics (81%), a Canadian fuel cell developer, could have major implications about the manufacturer’s plans going forward. In addition to the acquisition of the fuel cell company, Cummins also formed a new partnership with NPROXX, which is a hydrogen storage system firm from the Netherlands.

Tom Linebarger, the CEO of Cummins, recently told Fox Business that the organization is aiming to make a dramatic shift from its traditional diesel engines. By 2050, Cummins wants to have hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. And he said this will be more efficient versus utilizing batteries, which use coal for energy.

“From an energy density point of view, weight density, new batteries are not as good as hydrogen tanks are,” Linebarger said. “So if you’ve got a truck that’s loaded up with weight, you’re going to be better off with a lighter weight fuel than batteries.”

Cummins is already getting ahead in terms of utilizing hydrogen power. In Germany, a fuel-cell-powered train made by Alstom is helping cut emissions.

On Cummins’ website, the manufacturer says its “hydrogen fuel cells and battery-powered options produce no carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases while in use, making them sustainable, emission-cutting options.”

Going forward, Cummins believes its diesel customers will come along for the ride on a new journey. The transition to hydrogen will be long and drawn out. However, Cummins leadership believes it is the right step to take. “There’s got to be a big move from fossil fuel energy production towards renewable energy production,” Linebarger said.

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