Beats Tesla showing off a prototype by just days.

Cummins revealed from its historic technical center in Columbus, Indiana, a fully electric class 7 demonstration Urban Hauler Tractor as a step in its earlier announced electrification movement.

Cummins AEOS Electrified Power

The vehicle is equipped with a 140 kWh battery for 100 miles (160 km) of electric range, but up to 300 miles is possible with additional battery packs. Tesla's upcoming semi is also believed to have range of 200 to 300 miles. It's reveal is set for late September, which means Cummins is ahead in the electric semi race.

Optionally, a range extender (Cummins B4.5 or B6.7 engines) will be made available for even longer ranges.

"The demonstrator truck uses a 140 KWh battery pack instead of a 12-liter engine. The weight of the electric powertrain is roughly equal to that of the removed engine, aftertreatment, transmission and fuel tank. The tractor day cab has a gross vehicle weight rating limit of 75,000 pounds. The concept truck has a range of about 100 miles on a single charge for city driving that’s extendable to 300 miles with additional battery packs. The powertrain and truck will enable Cummins to learn more about the potential electrification holds for larger vehicles."

To achieve the highest possible efficiency, Cummins uses regenerative braking and is even considering solar panels on the trailer roof.

One very important part of the concept is aerodynamics:

"Air drag is reduced by replacing side mirrors with an in-dash camera system. The truck achieves a significant air drag reduction via its highly streamlined design as well as a better sealed truck body and underbody – with no front radiator intrusion."

Cummins AEOS Electrified Power
Cummins AEOS Electrified Power
Cummins AEOS Electrified Power
Cummins AEOS Electrified Power

During the event, Cummins highlighted new more efficient diesel engines (the X12 and X15), natural gas engine technology and hinted at a revolutionary heavy-duty diesel engine in 2022, which means that electrification is only one of several options in its current strategy.

Jennifer Rumsey, Chief Technical Officer, Cummins Inc. said:

“These new technological innovations build on our 100-year legacy of bringing the best solutions to our customers, driving their success and meeting the evolving demands of their industries and markets. We will harness our global technical footprint to continue to develop a wide variety of power technologies to bring our customers the choice and solutions that enable their success and contribute to a sustainable future.”

What's new in Cummins:

Cummins AEOS Electrified Power

"Cummins leadership believes that energy diversity is critical to its future success."

These are some of the technologies the company is offering or developing:

Clean Diesel

Cummins continues to be the leader in clean-diesel technology and understands that for many markets diesel engines will be 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 Aftertreatment, 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 linehaul 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.

Alternative Fuels and Power Solutions

<em>Cummins AEOS - first fully electric heavy-duty truck and powertrain</em>

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 like bio-fuels, synthetic fuels and hydrogen. And, Cummins has also invested in exploratory projects focused on Proton Exchange Membrane and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell technologies.

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.

Electrified Powertrain Solutions

<em>Cummins AEOS Electrified Power</em>

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 percent fuel savings compared to today’s diesel hybrids with zero emissions.

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."

Hat tip to Mike S!

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