USA: Accelera unveils new powertrain for F-series electric trucks
Cummins and Isuzu have been working together since 2019, focusing on an electric drive for Isuzu’s F-Series. In October 2022, the companies initially sent prototypes to customer trials, and now a supply agreement between the two parties has been signed. Cummins’ electric brand Accelera will supply the Japanese manufacturer with electric drives for the medium-duty electric truck from 2027.
The full integrated powertrain will feature Accelera’s next-generation battery, eAxle, accessories and controls, which Accelera says will offer customers a solution to commercial fleet decarbonisation. The drivetrains will be manufactured or assembled by Accelera in the US.
The partners have not yet provided any technical details. What is known is that the powertrain will feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) tiered platform batteries, as well as a 14Xe eAxle equipped with an ELFA motor and inverter. It will also include the modular Power Controls and Accessory Systems (PCAS) 3.0 standard, which is 70 per cent smaller than the previous generation. Cummins Inc. has said that the new components will be suitable for a wide range of applications, ranging from buses to HGVs.
Isuzu’s battery-electric F-Series will be offered as a Class 6 and 7 vehicle in the US from 2027 – i.e. with a gross vehicle weight rating of 11.8 and 15 tonnes, respectively. Compared to its diesel counterpart, the electric-powered F-Series will have a newly designed front chassis with a low cab, the manufacturer writes.
The electric truck will be built from 2027 at Isuzu’s new US plant in South Carolina. Until now, it was only known that electric and diesel-powered models of the smaller N-series would be manufactured there on a flexible line. Isuzu has now confirmed that the BEV variant will also be built in South Carolina alongside the F-series diesel truck.
“Introducing the new battery electric powertrain for Isuzu’s F-series medium-duty truck is a significant milestone in the journey toward a future of zero-emissions commercial transportation,” said Amy Davis, Accelera President. “The integration of Accelera’s advanced components into this truck showcases our expertise as a leader in zero-emissions powertrain technology and our commitment to delivering innovative solutions tailored to our customers’ needs.”
The news follows major investments by Isuzu in electric trucks and batteries. In January 2024, the firm announced a trillion won deal (approx. €632m) with the Thailand-based LG ES to electrify the Isuzu Elf. Isuzu is also working with Toyota and Hino on buses as well as Honda on the hydrogen Giga Fuel Cell truck. The company also currently offers the N-Series BEV truck , which can be customised with between 3 and 9 battery packs depending on user requirements.
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