Cummins launches zero-emissions solutions brand named Accelera
US engine builder Cummins has launched Accelera, a new brand for its electrification solutions business. Cummins also announces several projects, including the introduction of 1,000 new electric school buses in cooperation with Blue Bird.
Accelera is the newest brand of Cummins’ New Power business unit. According to a press release, it will address “key industries” with zero-emission solutions – from commercial transportation to chemical manufacturing. Specifically, Accelera will bundle the development and supply of hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, e-axles, traction systems, electrolyzers, and other products.
Amy Davis will head the new unit after leading the New Power business unit since 2020. “The purpose of Accelera is simple – to secure a sustainable future for the industries that keep the world running,” says Davis.
At the same time, Cummins makes clear in the release it will continue to focus on “multiple solutions” to achieve industry-wide decarbonization of businesses. In addition to battery-electric applications, Cummins also invests in fuel cell technology and continues its traditional engine business.
The company has invested more than $1.5 billion in research and technology, capital and acquisitions in recent years to become a global leader in zero-emission technologies. “As we have continued to lead in and advance the engine-based solutions that power our customers’ businesses, we have also built the broadest combination of zero-emissions technologies dedicated to the commercial vehicle industry like battery electric and fuel cell electric powertrain solutions and electrolyzers for green hydrogen production,” says Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins President and CEO.
Accompanying the launch, Cummins announced that Accelera and Blue Bird would put 1,000 electric school buses on the road in the United States in the next 12 to 18 months. “Production of the electric school buses will be significantly accelerated, more than doubling the zero-emissions school buses that the pair have put into operation since the start of production,” the company writes.
Accelera is expected to build on the group’s recent progress in electric mobility. Cummins recently acquired Meritor, which in turn has bought Siemens’ Commercial Vehicle business. Shortly after the acquisition, Cummins reportedly unveiled Meritor’s ePowertrain 17Xe, equipped with a Cummins battery system, at the IAA Transportation trade fair. The powertrain has a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, a first in Cummins’ battery line. The group also showed its new NMC battery systems in Hanover: The BP95E, which offers 30 per cent longer life than previous models, and the BP30E, which the manufacturer says is compact enough for installation in most commercial vehicles.
The company also showcased its new fuel cell technology for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, offered as a single or dual module with 135 and 270 kW outputs, respectively. Cummins is working with Scania in Europe and Daimler Trucks in North America to develop and integrate these next-generation fuel cells into demonstration vehicles.
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