Cummins Inc. Acquires First Mode: Revolutionizing Mining with Retrofit Hybrid Solutions
Key Ideas
  • Cummins Inc. has acquired the assets of First Mode, including their hybrid mining and rail product lines and IP portfolio with hydrogen solutions, marking a significant step towards decarbonization in the mining sector.
  • The acquisition enables Cummins to provide innovative retrofit hybrid systems for mining equipment, fostering collaboration with industry partners and ensuring a smoother path to market entry and scale.
  • Jenny Bush, President of Power Systems at Cummins, emphasized that the acquisition reinforces the company's commitment to decarbonization by offering solutions that reduce carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Cummins is also focusing on developing bridge technologies like hybridization and clean fuels to help mining operations extend the lifespan of their fleets and lower carbon emissions in real-world environments.
Cummins Inc. has taken a significant step in the decarbonization of the mining industry by acquiring the assets of First Mode, a provider of retrofit hybrid solutions. This acquisition includes First Mode’s hybrid mining and rail product lines, as well as their IP portfolio, which features hydrogen and battery powertrain solutions. The move is aimed at offering the first commercially available retrofit hybrid system for mining equipment. The acquisition also involves Cummins gaining access to First Mode’s commercial portfolio, as well as its manufacturing and testing capabilities, including a mine haul proving grounds in the United States. Operations and staff from Australia, Chile, and the U.S. will now be part of Cummins Power Systems industrial segment. By incorporating First Mode’s technology, Cummins aims to provide decarbonization solutions that meet the needs of customers transitioning to a lower-carbon future. Jenny Bush, President of Power Systems at Cummins, highlighted the importance of the acquisition in leading customers through the energy transition and driving down operating costs for miners. Cummins is not only focusing on retrofit hybrid technology but also on developing bridge technologies such as clean fuels like ethanol and methanol. This approach enables mining operations to reduce carbon emissions while extending the lifespan of their existing fleets. Bush emphasized the company’s commitment to collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and miners to ensure the development and testing of these technologies in real-world scenarios. In conclusion, Cummins' acquisition of First Mode signifies a significant move towards providing innovative solutions for the mining industry's decarbonization efforts. By offering retrofit hybrid systems and bridge technologies, Cummins aims to support mining operations in reducing their carbon footprint and adapting to evolving technologies.
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