FROM THE EDITOR

ALTERNATIVE POWER IS HERE – AND THERE’S NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL SOLUTION

We’ve seen a range of different alternative power prototypes and production models from OEMs over the last several years – hydrogen fuel cell, hybrid, methane, HVO, hydrogen combustion, and battery electric. What has become clear is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy iron.

The high cost of components, unfamiliar maintenance procedures, fuel source availability, fuel cost, and run times are concerns that apply to different solutions. And none of these solutions works for every machine type or every job site. Some may never reach commercial viability, or may only be suited to niche applications, but all of these developments are impressive steps along the way to availability of zero-emissions propulsion solutions across the board.

Just ahead of CONEXPO, Cummins has announced its zeroemissions program, Accelera by Cummins, which is focused on developing zero-emissions solutions across the entire Cummins portfolio. Accelera is notably working on a variety of solutions including fuel cell electric, battery electric, and green hydrogen production.

Volvo Construction Equipment recently announced a battery conversion option for a mid-size wheel loader, and several more electric compact equipment introductions from a range of OEMs have been teased ahead of CONEXPO.

In January, I had the opportunity to travel to Staffordshire, U.K., to see firsthand the results of JCB’s hydrogen fuel cell excavator and hydrogen combustion engine programs. Developing new propulsion systems is hard, and there I saw two solutions: one that the company ultimately deemed successful, but impractical, and the other determined to be a practical, viable solution for future construction sites.

The hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered excavator was an exciting machine – its operation was near silent, which was impressive for such a big piece of equipment. Its only emission was a delightful puff of steam. Unfortunately, as you can learn in my article in this issue, this solution is currently impractical for the market.

The hydrogen-combustion-powered machines, currently backhoe loader and telehandler prototypes, were equally impressive – the JCB hydrogen combustion engine is a zero-emissions solution that would change very little in the day-to-day activities on the job site. I look forward to seeing how this program develops over the next few years.

I find it exciting when OEMs lift the veil to show these projects for what they are – iterations along the road to zero emissions and a sustainable construction industry. I look forward to seeing what heavy iron and power solutions OEMs have in store for us at CONEXPO this year. Be sure to check out the latest developments next month in the April issue of Heavy Equipment Guide and live from the show at heavyequipmentguide.ca.

Kaitlyn Till Editor In Chief