Cummins’ New Division Accelera Signals the Company’s Dedication to its Destination Zero Initiative

To improve its standing as a company dedicated to producing zero-emission engines, Columbus, Indianabased Cummins Inc. has rebranded its New Power division as Accelera. The company made the announcement in March in Washington D.C.

Cummins hopes its reputation will not solely be based on its diesel engines but will be seen as a company integrating new tech into its future goals, which include its Destination Zero initiative which pledges the company will be fully zero-emission by 2050.

The company has already spent $900 million in research and technology as well as the acquisitions of new high-tech startups to build a division that is focused on integration of batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, electronic axles, traction drive and hydrogenmaking electrolyzers.

“Establishing Accelera reinforces our commitment to leading in zero-emissions solutions and highlights our unmatched ability to leverage our deep understanding of our customers’ needs and applications, technical expertise and extensive service and support network,” Cummins CEO Jennifer Rumsey said in a press release.

Cummins has been investing in its New Power division for several years and it has grown in revenues, but, even after the rebranding, the company believes it will be several more years before Accelera breaks even.

Accelera, however, is ambitious in its goals. One is to develop a 90-megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyzer system for Varennes Carbon Recycling’s plant in Quebec, Canada. The project represents Cummins’ largest electrolyzer project and its largest investment in advancing a green hydrogen-based economy in North America.

In addition, Accelera is increasing its production of electric school buses in partnership with Blue Bird Corp. The companies are expecting to put a fleet of 1,000 new buses on U.S. roads over the next year and a half.

The company’s rebranding follows in the footsteps of other high-profile companies who have done the same thing. In 2020, Spartan Motors Inc., another primarily diesel engine manufacturer, changed its name to Shyft Group Inc. to acknowledge its move to focus much of its revenue on battery-powered electric work vehicles.