Driving Sustainable Innovation: FPT Industrial Transforms Agricultural Efficiency at EIMA

In an exclusive interview with LECTURA Press, FPT Industrial reveals how their groundbreaking powertrain solutions are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and efficiency in agriculture. From alternative fuel engines to innovative battery packs, the company showcased a range of technologies at EIMA 2024 designed to reduce emissions, optimise fuel efficiency, and support diverse energy needs.

Michele Lopez, Off Road Portfolio and Product Management, and Francesca Rinaldi, Power Gen Portfolio and Product Management, provide insights into how FPT Industrial is shaping the future of sustainable farming with multi-energy engines, digital integration, and customer-driven design—proving that no one-size-fits-all solution exists in the mission for greener agriculture.

Patrik Eder: What sustainable solutions have you showcased at EIMA, and how do they improve agricultural efficiency?

Michele Lopez: From a sustainability point of view, there are three key aspects. First of all, we presented HVO compatibility with all our Stage V products with no need of changes to machinery components, such as filters, during servicing and maintenance.

In addition to our diesel line-up, we also showcased natural gas solutions. We presented the N67 NG, which is installed on both the New Holland T6 and T7 tractors, delivering up to 199 kW of power. This provides diesel-like efficiency but with the cleaner combustion of natural gas. It is worth mentioning that the N67 NG is currently the first commercially available alternative fuel engine for the off-road and agricultural markets.

Moreover, we showcased the F28 engine, which was selected as Diesel Engine of the Year 2020. At the booth, we featured the diesel version, but I’d like to highlight that these engines are being designed with a multi-energy, modular approach. We are also testing a hybrid version and a gas version, which is already being field-tested on machinery.

Lastly, we presented the eBS 42 battery pack, which has been launched on the CASE 580EV tractor loader backhoe—the industry’s first electric TLB. This is our first ePWT product entering the off-road business market.

PE: Can you discuss the environmental benefits of your new powertrain solutions?

Francesca Rinaldi: Regarding the environmental benefits of our products, we are continuously improving our diesel line-up in terms of fuel efficiency. As Michele mentioned, we serve a variety of market segments, including on-road, off-road, and power generation. For example, we have recently developed the XCURSOR 13 engine, a new version of the CURSOR 13, with a 7–10% reduction in fuel consumption compared to its predecessor. HVO, as a drop-in solution for our current Stage V diesel engines, also brings significant environmental benefits.

Additionally, we have diversified our portfolio to include natural gas, hydrogen, hythane (a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen), and batteries. To summarise, no single solution fits all. Our diversified product range ensures we can match the most suitable energy source to specific applications, benefitting both the environment and end-users.

PE: You mentioned hythane, a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. Would you say this is an interim step from internal combustion engines to hydrogen, or do you view it as a stand-alone product in your portfolio?

FR: Hythane is another proposal we offer to the market. We believe there is no single definitive solution, and hythane can act as a bridge. Currently, the market demands multiple approaches and diverse possibilities. While hythane can serve as a transitional technology, it is not the sole path forward. Over the past two years, we have seen significant product diversification, enabling us to explore and utilise every available technology, as no one solution fits all.

PE: What new innovations are featured in your engines and powertrains for agricultural machinery?

ML: If we consider the XCURSOR 13, which was awarded Alternative Engine of the Year at the latest EIMA, it has undergone numerous changes. The architecture has been renewed, and we have improved materials using CGI in the block and low-friction components. The weight has been reduced, and, from a combustion perspective, we implemented common rail injection with enhanced pressure capabilities, resulting in significant performance improvements. Market data shows that the redesigned version for on-road applications has achieved a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Looking further, we enhanced the CURSOR 16 twin-stage version, featured in the CASE IH Steiger 715 that was awarded High-Power Tractor of the Year 2025. This engine incorporates innovative turbocharging solutions, using two turbos for optimal transient response. We also increased combustion pressure and common rail pressure, further improving performance with each new launch.

PE: Are there specific technologies in your products aimed at boosting fuel efficiency?

FR: Absolutely. Our R&D department is constantly enhancing our products and technologies. Fuel efficiency has significantly improved, partly due to increased common rail pressure, optimised for specific engine strategies.

The pistons are designed with specific combustion chambers to optimise the combustion process. Additionally, our medium- and heavy-duty products feature a combustion strategy that does not rely on EGR, improving efficiency.

Finally, our engines’ turbo-matching ensures peak efficiency while reducing emissions. These advancements represent the synergy of engineering improvements across combustion, turbocharging, and exhaust systems.

PE: Do you collect a lot of feedback from customers?

FR: Yes, customer feedback is a key driver for us. Our products are made for our customers, and the market provides the first and most important input for our improvements. While we rely on our technical experts, the voice of the customer remains our priority as we continuously refine our solutions.

PE: How does FPT Industrial integrate IoT and digital technology to enhance the functionality of your engines?

FR: The Internet of Things and digitalisation are becoming increasingly crucial. Together with our customer service department, we have enhanced digital services to support our customers, positioning ourselves not just as an engine provider but as a trusted solutions partner.

For instance, we offer telematics systems and a control room to manage issues in real-time. Remote assistance, enabled by a dongle installed on the engine, allows our technicians to diagnose and address problems remotely.

Additionally, predictive and proactive assistance leverages engine data to anticipate maintenance needs, enhancing reliability and uptime. Our focus on digitalisation extends beyond hardware, integrating connectivity into our electronic engines for smarter, more efficient service.

PE: How do you see FPT Industrial’s role evolving in the sustainable agriculture market over the next few years?

ML: Both in the short and long term, we are committed to serving the agricultural and broader business sectors with a clear dual-pillar strategy. On one hand, we continue to enhance diesel engines, improving power and fuel consumption to meet productivity demands.

On the other, we are embracing new technologies and disruptive innovations. Through research and development, we are advancing solutions in natural gas, hydrogen, and e--Powertrains with a dedicated manufacturing facility, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability from multiple perspectives.