Cummins recently revealed a new hydrogen fuel cell engine that it is developing and integrating into demonstrator vehicles in collaboration with Scania in Europe and Daimler Trucks North America.
The company unveiled its fourth-generation, zero-emissions engine during the IAA Transportation show in Hannover, Germany.
“We know our customers have diverse needs and complicated duty cycles to support, which is why we focus on continued innovation and improvement,” said Amy Adams, vice president of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies at Cummins. “We’re developing hydrogen fuel cell technology that demonstrates the capacity and flexibility required to meet or exceed the power needs for on-highway commercial vehicles—proving hydrogen as a viable solution to decarbonize the economy.”
The engine was among several zero-emissions products Cummins showcased at the world’s largest mobility show. Its fuel cell system, available in 135 kilowatt single and 270 kW dual modules, uses variable pressure to provide higher-power density, power nodes, and operating temperatures for easier vehicle integration, Cummins said. The systems also have strong operating cycle efficiency and durability for a lower total cost of ownership.
“Cummins has deep application expertise, and we are uniquely positioned to deliver solutions that truly fit the needs of commercial applications,” said Amy Davis, vice president and president of new power at Cummins. “Realizing a net-zero future will require a range of technologies. Our extensive zero-emissions portfolio is how we will meet varied customer demands across the hardest-to-abate industries and make the energy transition possible.”
Cummins also provided a first glimpse of a drivetrain assembled with its newly introduced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, Meritor’s 17xe ePowertrain, and Meritor’s Power Control and Accessory System (PCAS). Cummins recently added the ePowertain and PCAS solutions to its portfolio through its acquisition of Meritor.
The ePowertrain leverages market-leading technologies in the axle, motor, and inverter, delivering performance, efficiency, and packaging advantages at a competitive cost, Cummins said. Additionally, the PCAS provides power where needed and control of necessary sub-systems while reducing packaging size and simplifying integration.
“We are giving customers options to enable them to adapt to a zero-emissions future faster,” said Brian Wilson, general manager of electrified components at Cummins. “With the recent acquisition of Meritor and our new multi-chemistry approach, we will be able to tailor our solutions and offer a one-stop-shop for customers’ powertrain needs.”