How Cummins is tackling alternative fuels

With several alternative powertrains in heavy-duty trucking today, how are major engine manufacturers adjusting? Derek Kiesler, Cummins' director for North America on-highway product strategy, shares the company's alt-fuel combustion plans through the company's HELM platform.

Jeremy Wolfe

June 18, 2025

Alternative fuel use continues to grow in the U.S. trucking industry. How are major engine manufacturers keeping up?

In the video above, Derek Kiesler, Cummins' director for North America on-highway product strategy, shares the company's alternative fuel combustion plans through the company's HELM platform.

The platform is the company's plan to accommodate multiple different fuel types with a similar engine architecture. The platform's combustion engines—burning diesel, natural gas, gasoline, or hydrogen—will share similar components where possible while keeping reliability and TCO in mind for fleets.

The platform approach simplifies integration for OEM partners and offers commonality in serviceability and maintenance for fleets. The natural gas solution for the 15-liter platform was brought to market in 2024, with a diesel variant expected in 2026-2027. Cummins is investing in research and development for hydrogen combustion solutions as the market becomes ready.

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe

Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.