The automotive market is undergoing a full transformation. Every year, new technologies emerge that promise to be the ultimate solution for a cleaner future. While all eyes are on electric or hydrogen engines, one company has decided to take a different path.
Rehlko, the new identity of Kohler Energy, has just introduced a very different engine that doesn't use electricity. It doesn't run on hydrogen either. Its name is Command PRO 888, and it's already attracting interest in the United States for its compact design and low emissions.
A new brand with clear ideas
Since May 2024, Kohler Energy has operated under the name Rehlko, but the change wasn't just cosmetic. It meant a shift toward more agile and smarter energy solutions. Now, under the management of Platinum Equity, the company has more than 100 operational centers.
Its approach combines innovation and continuity with a clear purpose: sustainability without giving up performance. Francis Perrin, its sustainability director, sums up its philosophy in one sentence: "Continuity is the key." Change what's necessary, without breaking what works.
The Command PRO 888 engine is unlike the others
This engine isn't for electric cars or futuristic trucks. It has been designed for heavy machinery and commercial lawn mowers. What's surprising is that, instead of electricity, it uses a cleaner diesel.
That's right: an internal combustion engine that aims to reduce emissions without giving up efficiency. Rehlko introduced the Command PRO 888 at the Equip Expo 2024. Since then, it has become an example of how there's still room to improve traditional engines.
What makes it a "clean" diesel?
The key lies in the design and technology; this engine has been optimized to use less fuel and generate far fewer emissions than a conventional diesel engine. In addition, it's ready to run on fuels that meet the strictest regulations, such as the European ones.
It's not zero emissions, but it's far from the old concept of a "polluting engine." This makes the Command PRO 888 an interesting alternative for applications where electrification isn't viable yet.
Long-term vision: electrification, yes, but not always
Rehlko hasn't given up on electric engines. In fact, it develops electric solutions for gardens, golf courses, and other environments. It also researches hydrogen-based technologies, but its strategy is clear: diversify.
Not all machines or uses can depend on a battery or a hydrogen cell. That's why it collaborates with companies like Curtis Instruments, specialized in vehicle controls, to offer solutions tailored to each need.