Goodbye Gasoline: Meet Rehlko—The Revolutionary Hydrogen-Electric Engine Changing Everything is not just a flashy headline. It’s a rallying cry for clean power and smarter engineering. Rehlko, the rebranded and recharged evolution of Kohler Energy, is stepping onto the energy scene with a lineup of engines that could flip the switch on how America powers everything from hospital backups to zero-emission lawnmowers—and even larger, grid-connected operations.
At the heart of the excitement lies hydrogen—a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. Rehlko’s hydrogen-electric and hydrogen internal combustion technologies are transforming industries that depend on strong, reliable engines. These innovations offer a compassionate, eco-friendly choice for everyone, from rural hospitals to tribal nations, bringing clean energy to communities who cherish reliability, resilience, and care for the Earth.
The Revolutionary Hydrogen-Electric Engine
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), rebranded 2024 under Platinum Equity ownership |
| Key Products | Command PRO 888 Diesel, KDH Hydrogen ICE, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems (100kW–1MW) |
| Core Innovation | Zero-CO2 hydrogen engines, diesel-to-hydrogen ICE swaps, scalable fuel cells |
| Real-World Application | Klickitat Valley Health hospital, rural power systems, landscape engines, off-grid microgrids, emergency response units |
| Sustainability Certification | PEP ecopassport™ environmental labels; targeting zero-emission reliability for critical and commercial operations |
| Official Resource | Rehlko Power Systems |
Rehlko is reimagining engines with a heart for people and the planet. Their hydrogen-electric and hydrogen internal combustion systems deliver strong performance, minimal emissions, and versatile solutions that shine in real-world settings—from reservations and ranches to rural hospitals and city resilience hubs.
By weaving together rugged reliability and clean energy, Rehlko shows us that moving beyond gasoline doesn’t mean giving up power. Instead, it’s about empowering communities with smarter, kinder, and more sustainable ways to thrive.
What Makes Rehlko a Game-Changer?
A New Brand With Deep Roots
Rehlko might sound new, but this company’s got old-school grit. It split from Kohler Co. in 2024 to become a standalone energy player. Now under Platinum Equity, Rehlko blends over 100 years of engine experience with a mission focused on sustainability, flexibility, and resilience. Their transition signals a larger industry shift—from fossil-fuel reliability to zero-carbon resilience.
Why Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe—and when used properly, it produces zero carbon dioxide (CO2). Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen combustion (or fuel cell conversion) emits only water vapor. It’s the golden child of the green energy movement, and Rehlko is betting big on it. Plus, with advancements in green hydrogen production, it’s now possible to create hydrogen without any emissions from start to finish.
Rehlko’s Hydrogen Engine Lineup: Explained
Command PRO 888: Next-Gen Diesel
This engine is still diesel, but it runs cleaner and more efficiently. Ideal for turf, utility, and compact equipment, it’s designed for durability, reduced emissions, and easy maintenance. Rehlko plans to scale the tech up to 174 horsepower for construction and heavy-duty markets.
Power: 32 HP / 53 lb-ft torque
Use case: Commercial mowers, turf maintenance, light-duty machinery
Notable feature: Compatible with biodiesel blends and adaptable for hybrid configurations
KDH Hydrogen ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)
The KDH engine replaces diesel with direct-injected hydrogen. It’s built on the same block as the diesel KDI 2504, meaning manufacturers can make the swap with little to no redesign.
Power: Comparable to 2.5L diesel engines
Use case: Construction, agriculture, transport, and off-highway applications
Benefits: Near-zero NOx, no CO2, no carbon-based fuel needed, quieter operation, and reduced maintenance costs
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems (100kW–1MW)
These aren’t your average generators. Powered by Toyota fuel cell modules, Rehlko’s systems deliver scalable electricity with no emissions—perfect for critical operations.
Power: Starts at 100kW, scalable to 1MW+
Use case: Hospitals, telecom towers, data centers, disaster zones, clean microgrids
Proven Deployment: Klickitat Valley Health (Washington State) and pilot projects across U.S. tribal lands and municipal facilities
How Rehlko Helps Real People & Places
Rural Hospitals: The Klickitat Case
Rehlko installed a 100kW hydrogen fuel cell system at Klickitat Valley Health to ensure off-grid, zero-emission backup power. During wildfire seasons, power outages threaten lives. This setup kept the lights on—and the air clean. The success of this project is now being studied by emergency response agencies nationwide.
Tribal and Off-Grid Communities
Hydrogen fuel cells work great for microgrids. Tribes or remote communities looking for energy independence can install Rehlko units with solar-electrolyzer setups to make and store their own hydrogen. These setups also empower local workforce training in clean tech.
Contractors, Landscapers, and Small Farms
Diesel bans in California and other states are pushing landscapers to greener options. The Command PRO 888 offers a drop-in solution with lower emissions and the same grunt work performance. For small farms and cooperatives, hydrogen ICEs present a pathway to sustainability without sacrificing power.
Urban Infrastructure & Disaster Relief
Rehlko’s fuel cell generators are finding homes in urban resilience plans—from powering subway control rooms to mobile disaster response units. These clean-energy machines run silently and don’t pollute the air during recovery operations.
Related Links
Nissan Recalls Over 79,000 Newer Vehicles – Check Which Models Are Impacted
Ford Recalls Certain 2024–2025 F-150 Lightning Trucks Over Suspension Issue
China Unleashes Its Own Cybertruck — GAC Pickup 01 Aims To End Tesla’s Global Reign
The Revolutionary Hydrogen-Electric Engine Guide to Switching from Gas to Hydrogen
- Assess Your Power Profile: How much power do you need? Are you running mowers or a hospital? Rehlko has a product for both ends of the spectrum. Use a load profile calculator to define usage patterns.
- Understand Fuel Logistics:
- Diesel: Widely available, but being regulated and phased out in some states.
- Hydrogen: Cleaner, scalable, and increasingly supported by federal infrastructure plans.
- Hybrid Options: Use diesel now, retrofit to hydrogen later, or mix both via dual-fuel systems.
- Compare Emissions & Costs:
- Diesel (Tier 4): 22.4 kg CO2/GJ
- Hydrogen ICE: ~0 kg CO2 (with green H2)
- Fuel Cell: ~45–60% efficiency vs. ~30–35% ICE
- Combine this with lifecycle savings in fuel, maintenance, and potential downtime. States like California, New York, and Oregon offer up to 30–50% rebates on hydrogen adoption projects.
- Install and Train: Partner with Rehlko-certified installers and engineering consultants. Installers will guide permitting and set up infrastructure. Your staff will also need hydrogen safety training, often available through Rehlko’s online platform and NFPA-certified providers.
- Monitor, Maintain, and Expand: Use Rehlko’s digital monitoring tools to track runtime, fuel use, and emissions savings. Software platforms allow for remote diagnostics and preventive maintenance schedules. Start small with one unit, then scale as performance proves itself.
FAQs
Q: Is hydrogen safe?
A: Yes—with proper handling and NFPA standards, hydrogen is safe and even less flammable than gasoline under pressure. Hydrogen disperses quickly and doesn’t pool like liquid fuels.
Q: Can I convert my diesel engine to hydrogen?
A: If you’re using compatible Rehlko/KDI platforms, yes. The KDH drop-in hydrogen engine is designed to swap with zero frame changes and minimal downtime.
Q: Where do I get hydrogen?
A: Options include on-site electrolysis, local suppliers, or compressed hydrogen delivery. California, Texas, New Mexico, and tribal energy departments are investing in infrastructure.
Q: Is this affordable for small businesses?
A: Yes, especially with tax credits. Operating costs are lower, and maintenance is simpler (fewer fluids, no carbon build-up). Grants from the DOE and USDA are also available.
Q: Does this help reduce my carbon footprint?
A: Absolutely. Rehlko engines eliminate CO2 and drastically reduce NOx and PM emissions, helping meet ESG, LEED, and government environmental targets.
