Cummins taking over Efficient Drivetrains
Cummins incorporates yet another e-mobility specialist as they acquire Efficient Drivetrains (EDI). The maker of electrified solutions for commercial vehicles is the third such acquisition for Cummins with which (ex) diesel-pros buy into the Zeitgeist.
Cummins has been know for its diesel solution previously but has been adapting to the change of times fast. Not only through their own engineering but by buying electric transport know-how and a lot of it.
Their deal with Efficient Drivetrains is in line with two other deals. The latest take over was Johnson Matthey Battery Systems as they seek the development of enhanced lithium nickel oxide (eLNO) batteries. It followed shortly after the acquisition Brammo, a motorcycle turned battery specialist.
Adding Efficient Drivetrains to the portfolio “is the latest step forward in Cummins’ efforts to become a global electrified power leader,” reads the press release. It is also a safe bet given that EDI’s hybrid-electric drivetrain systems have traveled more than six million miles in fleets in the world’s largest markets for electric transport, the United States and China.
The deal will see Cummins keep most of the EDI workforce but help with developing and most of all manufacturing on a global scale.
For Cummins it is all a commitment to the Zeitgeist. Says their CEO Tom Linebarger: “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.”
In terms of their own products, Cummins presented an electric truck already a year ago. The AEOS is an 8-ton cab ready to tow a 22-ton trailer for about 160 km on a 140 kWh battery. An optional diesel range extender expands the operation to 500 km. Production is to begin by 2019.
The closing of the acquisition of EDI is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the third quarter. The price has not been disclosed.
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