Cummins, Tata sign MoU for zero-emissions vehicles

Cummins Inc. and Tata Motors, one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the design and development of low and zero-emission propulsion technology solutions for commercial vehicles in India, including hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and battery electric vehicle systems.

Tata Executive Chairman N. Chandrasekaran and Cummins Executive Chairman Tom Linebarger at the signing of an MoU for the development of low- and zero-emissions commercial vehicles for India. (Photo: Cummins)

The MoU was signed in the presence of N. Chandrasekaran, executive chairman, Tata Sons, and Tom Linebarger, executive chairman, Cummins Inc. at the Tata Sons Headquarters - Bombay House, in Mumbai, India.

“The shift to sustainable mobility is irreversible and Tata Motors is committed to be amongst the leaders of green mobility,” said Chandrasekaran. “We are taking definitive steps to drive this global megatrend forward in each of our businesses.

“Working with partners who share the same vision is essential for this transition and we are delighted to strengthen our long-standing relationship with Cummins for their next generation, hydrogen propulsion systems. We are excited to indigenize the cutting-edge hydrogen technology to offer our customers an expanded portfolio of green and future ready commercial vehicles, accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility in the country, and to contribute towards India’s ‘net zero’ carbon emission goals.”

“Climate change is the existential crisis of our time, and this collaboration between Cummins and Tata Motors accelerates our ability to address it,” said Linebarger. “Cummins is well-positioned to help our customers successfully and seamlessly transition to economically viable decarbonized solutions”

Cummins and Tata have worked together since 1993, when the two companies collaborated on cleaner vehicle technology solutions for the Indian market. This MoU further solidifies that association and is aligned with India’s vision of ‘Energy for Sustainable Growth’ and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. India will be one of the first markets to receive Cummins’ hydrogen engines, the company said.

“Cummins and Tata Motors have a strong history of partnership, and the next step into low and zero-emissions technologies is an exciting development for zero-emissions transportation,” Linebarger said. “Our collaboration in India is an important milestone for Cummins and Tata as we work together to accelerate the shift to a carbon-free economy and a zero-emissions world. We strongly believe that this collaboration is a significant step forward to achieving India’s Green Hydrogen Mission. I am excited to enable powering a cleaner and greener India.”

Cummins low- and zero-emissions products include the B6.7H hydrogen engine, with ratings up to 290 hp (216 kW); fourth-generation hydrogen fuel cells available in 135 kW single and 270 kW dual modules; and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery packs, each of which targets a different duty cycle and use case.