Editor’s note: The future is electric and that includes transportation. Truck manufacturer Cummins sees the trend and includes what it calls an electric power solution. For a more sublime transformation, this tractor will be recharged by renewable energy, wind power ideally. Cummins is not alone. Tesla is following Cummins lead by announcing a truck platform and the firm Nikola Motor Co. has unveiled a hydrogen fuel-cell powered truck tractor on YouTube, here: https://goo.gl/HWI1FZ. The interest for the wind industry is that all these vehicles will need electricity to recharge or generate hydrogen. As we may have said before, ideally, that electricity will come from wind generated power.
During an event at its technical center in Columbus, Ind., Cummins Inc. recently unveiled its latest power solutions and energy-diverse products, demonstrating that the company is prepared to win with new and future technologies.
To round out the company’s capabilities in powertrain design, Cummins also revealed, for the first time ever, a fully electric class 7 demonstration Urban Hauler Tractor.
The company displayed the latest in near-zero natural gas engine technology, super-efficient diesel engines (the X12 and X15), and shared plans to introduce a revolutionary heavy-duty diesel engine in 2022. To round out the company’s expert capabilities in powertrain design, Cummins also revealed, for the first time ever, a fully electric class 7 demonstration Urban Hauler Tractor.
The company says these products and technologies add to Cummins’ portfolio of solutions and offer customers the latest in environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and powerful products to help them succeed in every market and every application. The company says that with these innovations, Cummins will continue to provide connected customer support, including cloud-based solutions and big data analysis to maximize uptime, safety, and business optimization.
During the event, which included tours of the Cummins technical center, Cummins leaders and scientists showcased the company’s continued innovation and work in analysis-led design capability, virtual reality, alternative fuels and digital capabilities, all of which are positioning the company to win in current and future technologies and in new markets. Cummins leadership believes that energy diversity is critical to its future success. These are some of the technologies the company is offering or developing:
Electrified powertrains
With the unveiling of the Concept Class 7 Urban Hauler EV, Cummins introduced a state-of-the art battery pack offering, redefining energy-efficiency and density capabilities for the EV market. The lighter, denser battery design allows it to hold a longer charge for improved range and faster charging, reducing down time. The concept truck design includes an Engine-Generator option for extended range capabilities, allowing users to benefit from Cummins B4.5 or B6.7 engines, providing a major advantage over today’s hybrid systems. These engine options offer 50% fuel savings compared to today’s diesel hybrids with zero emissions.
Natural gas
Cummins has long been a leader in providing natural gas engines as one of its sustainable, affordable and readily-available power options. The company revealed its latest Near-Zero natural gas engines during the event. End-users will find the Cummins Near-Zero natural gas engines are an equivalent performance option to diesel and like the latest clean-diesel have little to no emissions for customers looking to minimize emissions footprint. Working toward a class 8 integration, these engines offer adaptability with Agility’s Blue-IQ fuel delivery technology for full connectivity.
Alternative fuels and power solutions
Cummins has invested in research and development projects to develop products and technology solutions utilizing a wide range of fuels. The company is developing a high-efficiency spark-ignited technology that can deliver diesel-like performance and durability across a range of liquid fuels, like ethanol, methanol, and gasoline – meeting the most stringent emissions requirements. Cummins continues to investigate the viability of alternatives such as biofuels, synthetic fuels, and hydrogen. And, Cummins has also invested in exploratory projects focused on Proton Exchange Membrane and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technologies.
Clean diesel
Cummins continues to lead in clean-diesel technology and understands that for many markets diesel engines will be the best solution for decades to come. The latest products are highly efficient and sustainable heavy-duty diesel engines, showcasing the company’s innovation in traditional diesel power, the most commonly used power on the road today. The powerful X15 and lightweight X12 engines are engineered for optimal performance and power while offering class-leading fuel economy through the use of advanced air handling and fuel system controls. Both engines utilize the compact Single Module After treatment, which offers longer maintenance intervals for the lowest cost of ownership. Cummins’ work in diesel innovation doesn’t end there – the next heavy-duty engine for 2022 affirms the company’s commitment to providing the most effective power solution for Class 8 line haul trucks. And, with the recent formation of the Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies, customers can count on Cummins to provide market-leading innovation for integrated powertrain technologies.
Digital capabilities, data & analytics
Customers are looking for convenient and responsive interactions, real-time updates, and information that make products safer, more productive, and easier to use. Cummins has offered telematics systems in some markets for many years, but the potential for digital goes far beyond telematics systems and at a faster pace. Recognizing this, in May 2017, Cummins formed a new internal organization led by Sherry Aaholm, Cummins Chief Information Officer, called the Digital Accelerator. This new organization seeks to streamline innovation, bringing concepts from the idea stage to commercialization at the most efficient and effective pace. For more, visit www.social.cummins.com.
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