As global industries accelerate their shift towards decarbonisation, Cummins is positioning itself at the forefront of the energy transition with its ambitious ‘Destination Zero’ strategy. The plan is not simply about future-ready solutions—it’s about actionable progress today.
At The Electric Mine 2025 event in Santiago, Chile, Cummins unveiled one of its most transformative innovations yet: the world’s first hybrid-electric retrofit system for mining trucks, developed through its recent acquisition of key assets from First Mode, a pioneer in hybrid and hydrogen-based solutions for heavy industries.
The retrofit kit, which will undergo pilot testing in Chile in Q3 2025, marks a pivotal moment for mining. Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing haul trucks without altering their core functions, the hybrid system promises up to 30% reductions in both fuel consumption and emissions, an extension of vehicle life, and improved cycle time—without requiring any new infrastructure.
Molly Puga, General Manager of First Mode at Cummins, said, “Cummins has powered the mining industry for decades. Now, with First Mode’s hybrid innovation layered onto Cummins’ powertrain expertise, we’re delivering integrated systems that offer not only lower emissions but also advanced capabilities like sport and eco modes, and stop-start functionality—tailored for high-performance operations.”
Building On Strong Foundations
The First Mode acquisition, finalised in early 2025, brought with it not only hybrid product lines but a full suite of intellectual property encompassing hydrogen, battery, and software systems. These assets are now feeding directly into Cummins' evolving product roadmap for clean mobility in mining and rail.
At the event, Puga’s plenary session titled ‘Cummins Partnering to Accelerate Mining Hybrids Toward Electrification,’ provided an in-depth look at the company’s hybrid strategy and growing ecosystem of collaborators. With OEM partners such as Komatsu, XCMG, and NHL, and pilot programmes underway across Asia and the Americas, the company is seeding global markets with hybrid solutions while laying the groundwork for factory-ready offerings by 2027.
Proof In Performance
Real-world deployments are already validating the potential of hybrid mining systems. At the Baiyun Iron Mine in Mongolia, a Cummins-powered hybrid haul truck has logged more than 3,000 operational hours, achieving fuel savings of 15–20% and significantly reducing its environmental footprint.
“Hybrid retrofits are a low-risk, high-impact way for mining companies to cut costs and emissions today while preparing for electrification tomorrow,” noted Puga. “They extend asset life, require no new infrastructure, and align well with productivity goals.”
A Broader Ecosystem Of Innovation
In addition to the hybrid retrofit system, Cummins showcased several adjacent technologies aimed at maximising equipment uptime and sustainability. Among them was ‘PrevenTech’, an enhanced remote monitoring platform that provides 24/7 visibility into engine performance. By identifying faults before they escalate, PrevenTech helps operators reduce downtime and optimise maintenance cycles.
Cummins also highlighted its MCRS (Modular Common Rail System) upgrade programme for QSK60 and QSK78 engines, available during rebuilds. The MCRS upgrade offers a quieter and smoother engine profile, up to 5% fuel efficiency gains, and a longer life to overhaul—while cutting particulate matter emissions.
Looking Ahead
With the Destination Zero roadmap in motion, Cummins is shaping a practical, performance-led path toward clean mining. By blending innovation with deep industry experience and focus on its commitment to strategic partnerships, the company is not only preparing for the future—it’s building it, one retrofit at a time.
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