At the HELM of Innovation - Cummins' Fuel Agnostic Future

Cummins will showcase the groundbreaking potential of its HELM™ (Higher Efficiency, Lower Emissions, Multiple Fuels) platform at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show - a flexible, fuel-agnostic internal combustion engine that is set to transform the path to decarbonization for on-highway fleets.

Visitors will be able to see how Cummins is designing single engine platforms that can be tailored for different low- and zero-carbon fuels - all while keeping parts in common, reducing complexity, and delivering strong performance.

The new clean-sheet engine platforms are designed with common parts across multiple fuel types for simpler integration. Each engine is optimized to operate on a single fuel - diesel, natural gas, or zero-carbon hydrogen.

The industry-first fuel agnostic platform comprises of shared base elements to ensure seamless integration and reduced complexity for OEMs, as well as simplified maintenance and parts procurement for fleets. HELM supports lower emissions an adaptability during the energy transition.

"The HELM™ platform enables us to meet the needs of our customers, without compromise," said Sean McLean, Director and General Manager of On-Highway Business for Cummins Asia Pacific. 

The innovation behind HELM™ lies in its modular design. Each engine variant is optimized for its specific fuel, yet all are supported by common core architecture.

This design makes maintenance easier by using common parts across all engine types. It also lowers training and tooling costs, as technicians work with a familiar setup, and helps maximize uptime thanks to streamlined serviceability and consistent operating practices, no matter the fuel.

"The common platforms deliver fuel flexibility, reduce emissions, and support operational familiarity for fleets and technicians.

The diesel option delivers improved efficiency, higher power density, and reduced weight.

The natural gas variant is the X15N, Cummins' first natural gas engine designed specifically for the heavy-duty sector. Now in full production in North America, the X15N delivers near-zero NOx and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

For fleets looking to sue zero-carbon fuel the hydrogen-powered X15H is currently under development and is slated for production within the next decade.

With HELM™, customers can pursue decarbonization goals using fuels that are available today and transition to alternative options in the future - all without needing to retrain technicians, or invest in new infrastructure.

"Cummins is taking a practical approach to energy transition."

"HELM™ gives customers the flexibility to choose the fuel that aligns with their sustainability goals, business needs, and infrastructure realities."

In addition to diesel, natural gas, and hydrogen, Cummins has approved the use of renewable alternatives such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), commonly referred to as renewable diesel. 

HVO offers a significant reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions - up to 90 percent compared to traditional petroleum diesel - while maintaining compatibility with many existing diesel engines.

By incorporating renewable fuels like HVO into its roadmap, Cummins is helping accelerate the industry's shift to more sustainable operations, without sacrificing reliability or performance. 

This pioneering platform is the result of Cummins' continued investment in decarbonized technologies and a commitment to delivering innovation that works in real world.

Cummins will be located at stand 94 at the Brisbane Truck Show from May 15 to 18, 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.