While H₂ engines have gotten substantial support abroad for slashing emissions, including nitric oxide (NO_x), there remains potential for progress for the clean technology’s acceptance in the U.S.

A new collaboration of leaders in a variety of sectors has set out to change that. Cummins has become one of the founding members of the H₂ Engine Alliance of North America (H2EA-NA). The initiative was formed by experts in academia, energy, government and the transportation industry to promote H₂ internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) while supporting a transition to zero-emission technologies like all-electric and H₂ fuel cell.

The alliance supports H2-ICE in several applications including on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment along with marine engines.

“H₂ combustion engines are a critical component of the clean energy transition, offering a practical solution for sectors where electrification is not yet feasible,” said Wayne Miller, a professor of chemical and environmental engineering at the University of California at Riverside (UCR) and co-director of H2EA-NA.

UCR and the University of Michigan are leading the alliance in partnership with various H2-ICE industry innovators including Cummins which plans to launch its X15H H₂ engine as part of its Cummins HELM™ platform.

Cummins also includes H₂ storage solutions in its portfolio along with the future development of fuel cell technology through Accelera by Cummins.

“Cummins is investing in the H₂ ecosystem and is innovating for readiness of H₂ engines when the market demands,” Imon Uduehi, General Manager - Alternate Fuels and Fuel Delivery Systems, said. “We believe integrating H2-ICE into a domestic, energy-secure system would promote accelerated infrastructure development resulting in wider adoption. Cummins is excited by the collaborative impact our participation in founding the H2EA-NA can have on empowering the acceptance of this critical technology, among the multiple solutions required to decarbonize the commercial industry.”

Cummins’ partnership with Southwest Research Institute resulted in the nation’s first H2-ICE Class 8 demo truck. NO_x dropped to .008 g/hp-hr which is four times lower than EPA’s 2027 requirements. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels plummeted 99.7% compared to diesel during the federal test procedure (FTP) cycle.

Emissions reductions from H2-ICE have countries like China, Germany and Japan at the forefront of H₂ engine and fuel development. A growing number of industry leaders see H2-ICE as a viable bridge on the road to zero emission vehicles in North America.

“H₂-powered ICEs can provide a long-term, reliable solution, particularly for applications where battery electric or fuel cell vehicles may not meet consumer performance requirements,” said Georgios Karavalakis, professor of chemical and environmental engineering at UCR and co-director of H2EA-NA.

André Boehman, a University of Michigan professor of mechanical engineering, is the alliance’s remaining co-director. Boehman’s research focuses on alternative fuels, fuel production and energy conversion system thermodynamics. 

“Our alliance will promote the advantages of H₂-powered ICEs,” Boehman said. “By fostering innovation and collaboration across sectors, H2EA-NA will ensure that ICEs contribute meaningfully to North America’s H₂ ecosystem and transportation goals.”