While Daimler Truck and Volvo Group have combined together in a company to develop and commercialise hydrogen fuel cell technology under the CellCentric logo, Daimler Truck in the USA has teamed with two heavy hitter in the truck and transport market, apparently to do something similar in North Aerica.
Component and transmission giant Cummins, via its Accelera by Cummins brand, along with Daimler Truck and US truck king, PACCAR, have announced they have completed the formation of a joint venture, to be known as ‘Amplify Cell Technologies’.
The collaboration is aimed at localising battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the United States, along with advancing zero-emissions technology for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications, according to the companies.
The companies say that Amplify will soon begin construction of a 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory in Mississippi, and say that there is potential for further expansion as demand grows. The companies say in their joint statement that the factory will create more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs and is targeting the start of production in 2027.
Amplify also named, Kel Kearns, as the new chief executive officer. Kearns career spans several decades holding various roles in automotive and manufacturing industries, with his most recent responsibility focused on large-scale electric vehicle manufacturing.
Each of the three companies own around 30 per cent of the business and EVE Energy serves as the technology partner with 10 per cent ownership, and contributes its battery cell design and manufacturing expertise to the venture.
“Cummins’ power solutions are at the heart of the economy, and we have the responsibility to decarbonize in a way that meets our customers’ varied needs as they navigate the energy transition,” said Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins.
“Amplify Cell Technologies will enable Accelera by Cummins and our partners to advance battery cells focused on commercial and industrial applications in North America and serve our customers’ evolving needs. This is a significant step forward as we continue leading our industry into the next era of smarter, cleaner power,”Rumsey said
CEO of Paccar, Preston Feight, said that Amplify Cell Technologies will enable it to offer customers cost-effective premium quality battery electric powertrains that meet their operational and sustainability needs .
“We are pleased to begin this exciting venture with these world class partners,” Flight added.
President and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, John O’Leary, said, that for Daimler Truck, a strict focus on costs and smart capital allocation are the key levers to succeed on the path toward truly sustainable transportation.
“This partnership enables economies of scale beyond Daimler Truck. It is a key puzzle piece of our battery industrialization strategy, ensuring access to the right battery cell technology at the right cost and right time for our customers,” O’Leary said.
