Cummins acquires electric and hybrid powertrain provider
EDI designs and produces hybrid and fully-electric power solutions for commercial markets and is the latest step forward in Cummins’ efforts to become a global electrified power leader.
“As power needs and technologies continue to evolve, Cummins remains committed to innovations that will deliver the right power solutions for the right applications at the right time to help our customers’ succeed,” said Tom Linebarger, Chairman and CEO of Cummins. “This acquisition will combine EDI’s talented workforce and electrification capabilities with Cummins’ expertise in developing and manufacturing the technologies that power the world.”
Cummins began developing its electrification capabilities more than a decade ago. During the past nine months, it has accelerated its investment in the business with the acquisitions of UK-based Johnson Matthey Battery Systems and North America-based Brammo. EDI adds a fully-electric and unique four-mode hybrid powertrain to broaden Cummins’ electrification expertise and products as it is able to switch, in real time, between fully electric, series and parallel modes.
“As the industry continues to evolve and OEMs move to include hybrid and electric technologies in their vehicle offerings, the combination of Cummins and EDI represents a tremendous opportunity for growth and category leadership,” said Joerg Ferchau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDI. “EDI’s advanced portfolio of plug-in-hybrid and full electric technologies paired with Cummins’ industry leadership and focus on innovation will allow us to deliver best-in-class products, service and support worldwide. Vehicle OEMs and fleets evaluating new electric and hybrid technologies prefer to work with well-established companies that have the depth and resources to provide the support that’s needed to scale into high volume mass production. Together, we can lead the electrification category, and provide exciting new options that the market will embrace.”
Based in the Silicon Valley in California, EDI’s portfolio of hybrid-electric drivetrain systems, the EDI PowerDrive™ series, have traveled more than six million miles in a fleet setting in the United States and China. EDI’s products and diverse customer base will provide a springboard for Cummins into electrified markets, enabling the company a more immediate ability to grow market share.
The value of the deal was not disclosed and it is expected to close in the third quarter.
Cummins already designs and builds its own lithium-ion-based batteries for its drivetrain and hybrid systems for diesel busses, (above). In April it demonstrated a system that is configurable either for a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a range extended electric vehicle (REEV) incorporating an engine-generator to combine energy delivery with the battery pack. This uses a new 74kWh battery pack with more space-efficient packaging, enabling easier bus integration with a modular format expandable to eight batteries with up to 385 km (240 miles) operating range on a single charge.
The Cummins-designed and built batteries use Li-ion technology and proprietary control technology to maintain the battery state-of-charge for a longer range. A high-efficiency traction motor provides direct drive with continuous, gearless acceleration and quiet operation.
Related stories:
JOHNSON MATTHEY EXITS BATTERY SYSTEMS BUSINESS AS IT SELLS UK DIVISION TO US ENGINE MAKER
SIEMENS-BACKED FUEL CELL DATACENTRE LAB OPENS IN SEATTLE
SIC POWER MODULES HALVE POWER LOSSES IN INVERTERS
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
