Cummins Partnership Aims to Boost Efficiency
Columbus-based Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) is collaborating with Texas-based Peterbilt Motors Co. to develop technologies as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SuperTruck II program. Cummins says the goal of the program is to reduce gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at a more rapid pace.
The DOE will fund four projects to develop and demonstrate these cost-effective technologies which will help accomplish that goal in Class 8 trucks, or 18-wheelers. The Cummins-Peterbilt team hopes to implement improvements in engine efficiency, aerodynamics and other technologies in the 2021, 2024 and 2027 model years.
"Cummins and the entire team is focused on developing technologies that can transform the industry and help our customers be more successful while continuing to be great stewards of the environment," said Wayne Eckerle, vice president of research and technology for Cummins. "Combining some of the best technical minds available for this project, I am confident that we can reach our goals and deliver results that are a win for our customers, a win for our organizations and a win for the environment."
Cummins and Peterbilt were partners in the SuperTruck I program. Cummins says many of the improvements and efficiencies developed in that program are being implemented in the companies’ 2017 model year products.
"These investments will accelerate the development of innovative vehicle technologies that will save businesses and consumers money at the pump, cut carbon emissions, and strengthen our economy," said David Friedman, acting assistant secretary of the DOE. "SuperTruck II builds on the successful SuperTruck I program, which has already led to more than twenty fuel saving technologies that have reached the commercial market."