Germany – While the spotlight was on its combustion technology at its stand at IAA Transportation 2024 – held between 17-22 September in Hanover, Germany – American powertrain manufacturer Cummins Inc also had a lot to say about its alternative offerings, now grouped under the name of ‘Accelera’. Informally, the Accelera brand covers all “the electric stuff”, while the legacy engine components, together with the non-electric axle, braking, and suspension products acquired from Meritor, retain the Cummins name. However, Cummins envisages that, eventually, the “electric stuff” will become the core of its business.

Cummins’ message to visitors at the IAA was simple. “We are ready today”; ready, that is, to offer drivelines that cover all applications and comply with EU mandates. Under the Accelera brand, the company offers complete powertrains – motors, batteries, fuel cells – for electric vehicles, whether they be hybrids, battery-powered, or fuel cell electric. Under the Cummins brand, the fuel-agnostic engine platform, dubbed ‘HELM’, allows operators to use natural gas, hydrogen, and other alternatives to diesel.