Caterpillar to Develop Advanced Hydrogen-Hybrid Power Solution
BY AsphaltPro Staff
Caterpillar has announced, starting in early 2024, it will develop an advanced hydrogen-hybrid power solution for off-highway vehicles that will leverage the new Cat® 13D engine platform. Available for early OEM pilots in 2025 and scheduled for production in 2026, the Cat C13D engine is targeted for a wide range of off-highway equipment, including rock crushers, screeners, and grinders; trenchers; material-handling equipment; and more.
A press release from the company stated: “Starting in the first quarter of 2024, Caterpillar will develop a transient-capable system for off-highway applications. The project will demonstrate how state-of-the-art control systems and electric-hybrid components can help hydrogen-fueled engines meet or exceed the power density and transient performance of traditional diesel engines.”
Caterpillar will serve as the prime contractor on the project, providing engine research and development as well as system integration. As the project progresses, other industry and academic collaborators will be brought into the program to provide additional specialist expertise. The initiative will be delivered at Caterpillar facilities in Chillicothe, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas.
With research commencing in 2024, the project is supported and partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). It is included among 45 projects across 18 states and Washington, D.C., receiving funding to advance research, development, demonstration, and deployment in several areas critical to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transportation sector.
The inline, six-cylinder Cat C13D is designed to enable the use of renewable liquid fuels such as 100% HVO, B100 Distilled Biodiesel, and up to B100 Standard Biodiesel by working with the local Cat dealer.
For more information, visit caterpillar.com.