Technology at the forefront: Cummins rebrands New Power division as Accelera

Cummins Inc. is rebranding its New Power business segment as Accelera to gain attention for its zero-emissions efforts (Photo: Cummins)

With a focus on zero-emission propulsion technologies, Cummins is rebranding its New Power division as Accelera. The global provider of power and technology has invested $900 million in research and development to create components and integration for batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, electronic axles, traction drive, and electrolyzers that produce hydrogen.

The new brand reinforces Cummins' dedication to being an industry leader in zero-emissions solutions and highlights the company's technical expertise and extensive service and support network.

Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Cummins CEO Jennifer Rumsey and Accelera President Amy Davis introduced the new Accelera brand. The objective is to draw attention to Cummins' Destination Zero initiative to produce only zero-emission products by 2050. 

Cummins, headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, has made substantial investments in zero-emissions technologies and is a global leader in battery electric and fuel cell electric products for commercial and industrial applications. Additionally, the company has hundreds of electrolyzers around the world that produce hydrogen.

Historically, industry suppliers have rebranded and spun off new technology businesses in order to expand their electrification portfolio. Delphi Automotive changed its name to Aptiv in 2017 and completed a tax-free spinoff from Delphi Technologies in order to focus on autonomous technologies. In 2020, BorgWarner acquired Delphi Technologies for $3,3 billion.

Cummins followed in their footsteps by pursuing a similar strategy to strengthen its New Power division through multiple mergers and acquisitions, including the $3.7 billion purchase of Meritor Inc. in 2020. In contrast, Spartan Motors announced in 2020 that it would change its corporate name to The Shyft Group Inc., following the sale of its emergency response unit, while retaining its expertise in the work truck, specialty service, and delivery vehicle markets.

Accelera, the rebranded New Power division of Cummins, focuses on the zero-emissions landscape to stay ahead in an industry that is constantly evolving.

Cummins has invested patiently in its former New Power division, which is now known as Accelera. Mark Smith, chief executive officer of Cummins, forecasts that the division will not break even on an earnings basis for a number of years despite growing revenues. Accelera distinguishes itself from the company's other business segments by becoming a sub-brand of the Cummins brand.

Executive Chairman Tom Linebarger believes that diesel engines will become a niche market in the future as low-carbon solutions become the primary focus.

Accelera has already announced the following two new business ventures:

- A 90 MW proton exchange membrane electrolyzer system for the Varennes Carbon Recycling facility in Quebec, Canada.

- The acceleration of electric school bus production with Blue Bird Corp. will power a new fleet of 1,000 electric school buses across the United States over the next 12-18 months, doubling the number of zero-emissions school buses the companies have previously deployed.