Cummins, Tata Motors accelerating H2, EV Manufacturing goals in India

April 27, 2023
These lower emissions technologies such as the H2-fired power, fuel cell and electric vehicle drivetrains will be developed by the new TCPL GES and sold as both on-highway and off-highway applications
U.S.-based power equipment manufacturer Cummins Inc. has inked a deal with longtime partner Tata Motors Ltd to focus on growing production of low-emissions technology such as hydrogen-powered engines, battery electric drivetrains and fuel cell systems in India over the next few years.

Cummins and Tata Motors have worked together in a India joint venture since 1993. The new memorandum of understanding will bring them closer in collaboration on e-mobility tools to decarbonize the transportation sector, the companies say.

The partnership entity will be called TCPL Green Energy Solutions Private Ltd and will be a wholly owned subsidiary under the existing joint venture. These lower emissions technologies such as the H2-fired power, fuel cell and electric vehicle drivetrains will be developed by the new TCPL GES and sold as both on-highway and off-highway applications.

Tata Motors has promised to achieve Net-Zero emissions in its commercial vehicles segment by 2045.

“We are collaborating with partners who believe in this vision,” Girish Wagh, executive director of Tata Motors, said in a statement while meeting with Cummins executives. “Together, we will develop and indiginize smart and green powertrain technologies to create India-specific sustainable mobility solutions.”

The new, partnered productions also will be created through the AcceleraTM by Cummins brand. Cummins CEO Jennifer Rumsey also signed off on the expanded India agreement, deepening ties in a market where Cummins already employs more than 10,000 people producing fuel systems, air handling, filtration and electrical power generation equipment.

“Progress requires partnership, and I am delighted that we are embarking on this decarbonization journey with our trusted partner of 30 years—Tata Motors,” Rumsey said. “Together, we will advance low- and zero-emissions technologies in a way that is best for our customers, communities and the planet. By doing so, we are also unlocking new opportunities to innovate for our employees all over the world and those who share our passion for powering a more prosperous world.”

India itself is one of the world’s fastest growing emerging economies, one that is trying to clean up its energy profile while also striving to meet significant challenges in providing power for all of its resident. To keep up, the nation’s power entities may need to add 800 GW of installed electric capacity over this decade, with at least 500 GW of that need to be low or carbon-free generation resources, according to reports.

On the e-mobility front, some 300,000 to 400,000 electric vehicles are being sold in-country annually, according to some reports. India could become a top-three EV market by 2030.

Cummins, meanwhile, has been manufacturing electrolyzers—which split and retain hydrogen out of water—for global markets. The company also is working with other vehicle makers such as Daimler Trucks, Hyundai and Isuzu Motors on hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric equipment, respectively. 

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(Rod Walton, senior editor for EnergyTech, is a 15-year veteran of covering the energy industry both as a newspaper and trade journalist. He can be reached at [email protected]).

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About the Author

Rod Walton, EnergyTech Managing Editor | Senior Editor

For EnergyTech editorial inquiries, please contact Managing Editor Rod Walton at [email protected].

Rod Walton has spent 15 years covering the energy industry as a newspaper and trade journalist. He formerly was energy writer and business editor at the Tulsa World. Later, he spent six years covering the electricity power sector for Pennwell and Clarion Events. He joined Endeavor and EnergyTech in November 2021.

Walton earned his Bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. His career stops include the Moore American, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, Wagoner Tribune and Tulsa World. 

EnergyTech is focused on the mission critical and large-scale energy users and their sustainability and resiliency goals. These include the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as the military, universities, data centers and microgrids. The C&I sectors together account for close to 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

He was named Managing Editor for Microgrid Knowledge and EnergyTech starting July 1, 2023

Many large-scale energy users such as Fortune 500 companies, and mission-critical users such as military bases, universities, healthcare facilities, public safety and data centers, shifting their energy priorities to reach net-zero carbon goals within the coming decades. These include plans for renewable energy power purchase agreements, but also on-site resiliency projects such as microgrids, combined heat and power, rooftop solar, energy storage, digitalization and building efficiency upgrades.