Cummins and Komatsu Forge Alliance for Hybrid Mining Solutions

The collaboration will see Komatsu partnering with Wabtec, its drive system supplier, to provide advanced powertrain solutions tailored for the next generation of hybrid mining equipment. This joint initiative builds upon Cummins’ extensive history of diesel engine supply, enhancing their product offerings with hybrid solutions that promise to optimize operations in large mining haul truck applications.

Cummins and Komatsu aim to leverage their global capabilities to accelerate the development of hybrid solutions. By focusing on retrofit hybrid systems, this partnership seeks to assist mining companies in their decarbonization efforts while simultaneously reducing the operational costs of existing fleet assets. Hybrid technologies are expected to yield fuel savings through energy capture during braking, which, in turn, can enhance productivity with faster cycle times.

Gbile Adewunmi, Vice President of Industrial Markets at Cummins, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Komatsu once again to bring the latest advancements to the mining sector.” He emphasized the expertise of Cummins' team, which includes professionals from the recently acquired First Mode, to ensure that mining companies receive the tools needed for a successful transition to hybrid technology.

Dan Funcannon, Senior Vice President of Komatsu’s Surface Haulage Business Unit, highlighted the collaboration’s importance in bridging current operational requirements with future low-carbon objectives. “Together, we’re helping bridge current operational needs with future low-carbon goals to support our customers’ sustainability efforts,” Funcannon noted.

Cummins’ acquisition of First Mode assets earlier in 2025 enhances the pace of development for this joint initiative. With pilot units expected to hit the market within this year, the collaboration aims to commercialize hybrid retrofit kits as a primary step towards broader adoption of hybrid technologies in mining.

Molly Puga, General Manager at First Mode, stated, “With the pace of development already under way now accelerated by this collaborative partnership, we’re confident in delivering hybrid products at scale well in advance of 2030.” The initial pilot for the retrofit kit is anticipated to deliver double-digit fuel savings for mining operations in the coming months, further incentivizing the transition to hybrid solutions.

This partnership is not the first sustainability initiative between Cummins and Komatsu. In 2024, they collaborated with Vale on a project to develop dual fuel haul trucks, which utilized a blend of ethanol and diesel to reduce CO2 emissions. These efforts align with Cummins’ broader commitment, known as Destination Zero, focused on sustainability and facilitating the energy transition for customers.

Both companies are steadfast in their commitment to reducing their environmental impact. Komatsu aims for carbon neutrality in both its product usage and equipment production by 2050, viewing hybrid technologies as a crucial initial step towards achieving this ambitious target.

The collaboration between Cummins and Komatsu embodies a progressive shift in the mining industry towards sustainable and efficient operational practices. As they work together to create innovative hybrid solutions, both companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of a necessary transformation, ensuring that they not only meet current market demands but also lead the way in the pursuit of a more sustainable future for the mining sector.