Skip to main content

Kohler’s new hydrogen engine advance

Kohler Engines is unveiling its new Kohler Direct Injection Hydrogen (KDH) engine, an internal combustion engine that can run on hydrogen.
By Mike Woof January 18, 2024 Read time: 2 mins
Kohler’s new hydrogen engines will offer clean power and comparable performance with conventional diesel units

The new hydrogen engine technology is being used in the KDI 2504 TCR unit. This takes advantage of conventional combustion engine architecture and maintains the same dimensions, PTOs and performance as conventional diesel engines, while using zero-carbon hydrogen as fuel.

Kohler Engines is investing in a range of innovative technologies to meet diverse machinery requirements. Hydrogen has emerged as a versatile fuel with rapidly evolving technology. Renowned for its wide flammability range, high flame speed, low ignition energy, and high diffusivity, hydrogen holds promise as a cleaner alternate fuel for internal combustion engines.

Using direct injection (DI) technology, as opposed to port fuel injection (PFI), ensures performance, by avoiding backfiring. The hydrogen unit aims to provide the same performance as the diesel engine, such as max power, peak and low-end torque, as well as transient response and drivability.

Hydrogen plays a pivotal role in emissions and GHG reduction as it offers clean and efficient energy, without generating carbon dioxide (CO2).

The combustion of a hydrogen engine is cleaner than a standard diesel engine and with an aftertreatment system (ATS), the environmental benefits of using hydrogen are increased. Using the ATS ensures the reduction of exhaust emissions to low values, making the engine near zero-emissions. The ATS reduces particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC) to minimal levels.

The hydrogen internal combustion engine is designed to be a drop-in solution, and no major changes to the engine compartment will be required. The engine platform of the machine will keep the same cooling circuit, power take-off and flywheel, engine mounting points, and intake line; in addition, the exhaust line does not need ATS in Stage 5.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Debut for Liebherr A 914 Litronic wheeled excavator
    April 9, 2018
    Liebherr’s Stage IV/Tier 4 emission standards-compliant A 914 Litronic wheeled excavator, at a trade show for the first time, has an operating weight of between 14.9-17.2tonnes. Powered by a Liebherr D924 diesel engine, producing 105kW, the SCR system, which consists of an SCR catalyst system and other components such as an injector and AdBlue solution, is said to bring about a 91% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOX). A particulate filter is not required but can be installed as an addition for special
  • Kubota moves from Stage IIIa to V
    April 25, 2018
    Moving from EU stage IIIa emissions to meet forthcoming EU stage V, Kubota Europe has overhauled its 1.5 litre V1505 four-cylinder diesel engine. While engine architecture and footprint remains unchanged and will suit existing OEM customers, this evolutionary engine development sees the introduction of high-pressure common rail fuel injection, along with a DOC and DPF exhaust after-treatment solution. “The V1505 has been an extremely popular power unit among OEMs, and going forward, we want to continue to
  • Early days for Manitou hydrogen-powered e-telehandler
    April 9, 2025

    As part of Manitou’s commitment to decarbonisation, the global French company is presenting a “concept” in hydrogen-powered rotating telehandlers. The MRT 2260 H2 prototype is a hydrogen-powered electric machine. 908/1The special feature of this model is that it is powered by hydrogen through a fuel cell which guarantees zero-emission operation.

  • Clean power battery and hydrogen offerings from Deutz
    April 18, 2024
    The new hydrogen engine in testing is the TCG7.8H2 unit, a 7.8litre engine that will deliver 228kW.