The US Department of Energy (DOE) will provide nearly US$54 million in funding to Cummins for two projects that are aimed at improving fuel efficiency for heavy-duty and light-duty commercial vehicles.
Almost US$39 million in funding will go towards developing and demonstrating a highly efficient Class 8 truck (Supertruck), whilst the remaining US$15 million of funding will be used to support advanced technology powertrains for light-duty vehicles. Cummins will partner with Peterbilt for its Supertruck project which will develop and demonstrate a highly efficient and clean diesel engine, an advanced heat recovery system, an aerodynamic Peterbilt truck and trailer combination, and a fuel cell auxiliary power unit to reduce engine idling.
The improvements in engine system efficiency will not only reduce fuel consumption, but will also deliver reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.