Cummins Inc. has long been a leader in diesel technology, powering commercial vehicles and off-highway applications worldwide. Selling 1.5 million engines annually across 190 countries, the company has strategically expanded into low- and zero-emission solutions, including natural gas, hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen propulsion technologies.
A key pillar of Cummins’ 2040 vision is the ‘Destination Zero’ strategy, aimed at achieving zero emissions. Speaking to Bus Coach India Magazine, Jonathon White, VP – Engine Business Engineering, highlighted how this initiative is shaping the company’s product roadmap, with a strong focus on advancing battery-electric and hydrogen powertrains in the coming decade.
Q: Could you share Cummins’ focus on carbon emissions and the goals the company has set to achieve its targets in this segment?
At Cummins, we have a clear and ambitious goal to achieve zero carbon emissions. Early in this decade, we laid out a strategic roadmap that we call ‘Destination Zero.’ The name itself reflects our core mission: achieving zero carbon emissions across our entire operational and product landscape.
We recognize that reaching zero carbon emissions is not an overnight achievement, but rather a journey—hence the term ‘destination.’ Our target is to achieve this milestone in key markets where environmental regulations and industry standards support this transition. For example, in regions such as the U.S. and Europe, where governmental policies are aligned with sustainability objectives, we anticipate reaching zero carbon emissions by 2040. However, in other regions, this transition may take longer due to differences in infrastructure development, economic conditions, and regulatory support.
A key aspect of our “Destination Zero” strategy is ensuring that we make meaningful progress today rather than waiting for a perfect solution in the distant future. This means we are pursuing multiple pathways simultaneously. While we are working to reduce the carbon footprint of our existing internal combustion engine (ICE) technologies, we are also actively investing in alternative technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric powertrains. We deploy these solutions where they make the most sense, even if they are not yet universally applicable.
For cases where full electrification is not yet a viable option, we continue to refine and improve our internal combustion engines to deliver real-world carbon reductions. In summary, our strategy revolves around taking the fastest and most effective pathways to cut emissions now while also preparing for a future where net-zero emissions are achievable on a global scale.
Q: What are the key areas that Cummins is focusing on in this journey?
Cummins has a broad scope of operations, and I specifically oversee the engine business. I have been with the company for 36 years, and my current role involves leading all global engine engineering operations. This includes overseeing the development and deployment of all our engines across a wide range of applications, including on-highway and off-highway markets. Our product lineup spans from light commercial vehicles to industrial equipment, including large 16-liter engines.
Currently, we have approximately 1.3 million engines operating worldwide. As we continue this journey toward carbon neutrality, we are actively developing new solutions and improving our existing technologies to reduce emissions while maintaining performance and reliability.
Q: In markets like India, where the transition from BS-IV to BS-VI standards is happening and a shift towards electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology is emerging, what challenges do you foresee in the coming years?
Many of the challenges in transitioning to lower-emission technologies are common across different markets, but some are specific to individual regions. The two primary challenges we face globally are infrastructure and total cost of ownership.
Infrastructure remains a significant hurdle, particularly in the commercial vehicle and construction equipment sectors. Whether it is the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles or the hydrogen fueling infrastructure for fuel cells and hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (ICEs), the availability of necessary support systems remains a limiting factor.
For electric vehicles, the challenge is even greater in the commercial truck and construction equipment space. Unlike passenger vehicles, these applications require high-powered charging solutions and robust electrical grids, which are not yet widespread in many parts of the world.
Similarly, hydrogen adoption is constrained by infrastructure limitations. The production, distribution, and refueling networks for hydrogen are still in their early stages, making it difficult to scale hydrogen-powered solutions effectively. Without a cost-effective and readily available energy source, customers cannot fully embrace these technologies.
The second major challenge is the total cost of ownership. Unlike individual consumers, who may choose a vehicle based on personal preference, our customers in the commercial sector operate businesses that prioritize profitability. The initial costs of new technology, fuel or energy expenses, and maintenance costs all play critical roles in decision-making. If a technology proves too costly to operate, it becomes unviable despite its environmental benefits.
These challenges exist worldwide. Some regions may be more advanced in infrastructure deployment, but the fundamental obstacles of cost and accessibility remain consistent across global markets.
Q: How does Cummins differentiate itself from other companies in the engine segment?
Cummins stands apart from the competition due to the breadth of our portfolio and our extensive global experience. We offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of engines for commercial applications, catering to light commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and industrial equipment.
We are the largest global manufacturer of ICE powertrains in the commercial vehicle segment, which provides us with deep insights into various markets and their unique requirements. Our ability to introduce new technologies effectively is a result of decades of experience and continuous innovation.
A key differentiator for Cummins is our unwavering focus on reliability and dependability. Unlike some companies that prioritize short-term trends or small-scale demonstrations, we are committed to providing long-term, practical solutions that deliver real value to our customers. Every technology we introduce undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it is not only innovative but also durable and sustainable.
This philosophy extends to our zero-carbon technologies as well. Just as we have built a reputation for reliability in traditional engines, we aim to lead the zero-emission transition with the same commitment to quality and dependability.
Q: What technologies does Cummins currently offer in the commercial vehicle segment, particularly for buses and coaches?
In the commercial vehicle segment, including buses and coaches, Cummins has been a leader in diesel engine technology for more than 50 years. However, in recent years, we have significantly expanded our portfolio to include battery-electric solutions.
At industry events, such as this one in India, we showcase our battery technology, which is already in operation in transit buses across multiple markets. Additionally, natural gas engines have been a core part of our portfolio for over a decade, offering a lower CO2 alternative in markets where the infrastructure supports it.
Looking ahead, hydrogen will be a key part of our future solutions. We are actively developing hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICEs) for transit buses in markets where the necessary refueling infrastructure is being developed. While diesel remains the dominant technology in the global commercial vehicle sector, we are committed to providing a range of low-emission and zero-emission solutions that align with evolving infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
Q: When comparing electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel, which one do you think is the better option?
Rather than viewing electric and hydrogen technologies as competitors, we see them as complementary solutions that cater to different use cases. The viability of each technology depends on multiple factors, including energy costs, infrastructure availability, and the total cost of ownership for customers.
Battery-electric technology has received significant investment, particularly in transit bus fleets, where charging infrastructure has been a focal point. However, as operators scale up their electric fleets, they often encounter limitations in grid capacity, which can hinder further expansion.
Some operators are turning back to natural gas or even improving diesel engine efficiency to bridge the gap. In cases where electricity costs are high, such as in the UK, hydrogen may be a more viable option.
Ultimately, the decision between EVs and hydrogen is driven by practical considerations rather than one being inherently superior. We are committed to providing both options, allowing customers to choose the solution that best fits their operational needs.