Cummins’ zero-emission unit Accelera has formed a joint venture with Daimler Trucks and Buses US, and Paccar to localise battery cell production and provide a commercial vehicle battery supply chain in the US.
The joint venture, called Amplify Cell Technologies, will build a 21-GWh factory in Marshall County, Mississippi, due to begin production in 2027, with potential for further expansion as demand grows.
The battery, powertrain and commercial vehicle makers will own a 30% share of the business, with technology partner EVE Energy taking the final 10% share. EVE makes lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery cells for the vehicle industry and will provide battery cell design and manufacturing expertise.
“Amplify Cell Technologies will enable Accelera by Cummins and our partners to advance battery cells focused on commercial and industrial applications in North America and serve our customers’ evolving needs,” said Jennifer Rumsey, chairperson and CEO of Cummins. “This is a significant step forward as we continue leading our industry into the next era of smarter, cleaner power.”
John O’Leary, president and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, said the partnership enabled economies of scale beyond the individual business. “It is a key puzzle piece of our battery industrialisation strategy, ensuring access to the right battery cell technology at the right cost and right time for our customers.”
Paccar’s CEO Preston Feight added that the joint venture will enable the truckmaker to offer customers cost-effective premium quality battery electric powertrains that meet their operational and sustainability needs.
Kel Kearns has been appointed CEO of the joint venture. Kearns has 30 years’ global experience at Ford, most recently as plant manager of the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center at Ford’s Blue Oval City development.
Cummins’ Accelera zero-emission business unit was set up in March last year and is providing battery electric and fuel cell electric products and services across commercial and industrial applications.
In April this year Cummins announced it is investing more than $1 billion across its US. engine manufacturing network in Indiana, North Carolina and New York. The truckmaker said the investment will provide upgrades to those facilities to support the industry’s first fuel-agnostic engine platforms that will run on low carbon fuels, including natural gas, diesel and eventually hydrogen, helping decarbonise the nation’s truck fleets.
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