Hyliion Highlights $37M-Acquired KARNO’s 20-Fuel Flexibility and Lower Maintenance
HYLN•Hyliion CEO says its KARNO generator, acquired for $37 million from GE Additive in 2022, features longer maintenance intervals and lower upfront costs compared to fuel-cell systems. The fuel-flexible Stirling engine runs on over 20 fuels—including natural gas, diesel, hydrogen and ammonia—enabling customers to switch sources without purchasing new assets.
1. CEO Cost and Maintenance Claims
CEO Thomas Healy asserts that the KARNO generator delivers equal efficiency to fuel-cell systems but with lower upfront costs and maintenance intervals of four to five years between overhauls, versus more frequent and expensive replacements for fuel cells. He said this cost structure enables on-site power generation cheaper than grid electricity in many cases.
2. Acquisition of KARNO Technology
In 2022, Hyliion completed a $37 million acquisition of the KARNO technology from GE Additive. The deal secured 3D-printed Stirling engine designs that underpin the power generator, positioning the company to expand its on-site generation offerings.
3. Fuel Flexibility and Future-Proofing
The Stirling-based KARNO unit can operate on more than 20 different fuels—including natural gas, diesel, hydrogen, propane, and ammonia—without hardware changes. This fuel-agnostic design allows customers to switch sources as markets evolve, reducing the need for new equipment purchases.
4. Market Positioning and Applications
Hyliion is targeting data centers, defense facilities, and commercial sites with its fuel-flexible system, emphasizing its ability to future-proof energy assets. By promoting high efficiency and lower lifecycle costs, the company aims to capture demand for reliable, on-site electricity generation.
