As alternative fuels and vehicle technologies gain traction, the role of components within these technologies is evolving. In battery electric vehicles (BEVs), power electronic components are critical to vehicle functionality and efficiency. Understanding their impact and potential is essential for businesses adopting BEVs or navigating the future of sustainable transportation.

Axles play a crucial role in powering commercial vehicles, especially in heavy-duty applications where performance, reliability, and efficiency are vital. At Cummins Inc., we’re dedicated to delivering advanced components that enhance vehicle efficiency, improve performance, and reduce environmental impact. Our innovation in drivetrain and axle technology is centered around improving drivetrain efficiency, which supports Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy — our commitment to a more sustainable, low-emissions future.

To see how important fuel economy is to Cummins’ Amol Wairagade and his team in Pune, India, one only has to look at their extensive “project hopper.” The list of initiatives the team wants to tackle over the next few years includes 24 projects related to helping customers get better fuel economy. The ideas range from developing stop-start technology for bus customers to creating a fuel economy switch that enables heavy-duty truck drivers to easily change to a fuel efficiency setting.

In November, Cummins Inc. proudly accepted the 2024 “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation” award presented by the Women in Trucking (WIT) Association and was distinguished as an “Elite 30” company – an honor bestowed on top companies that generate the highest number of industry-wide votes. WIT is “a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women in the industry”.

Power electronics convert and control electric power in vehicles, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. By managing power use, they enable longer distances, reduce energy waste and support sustainable transportation.

Sustainability is not new to Cummins Inc. In the past two decades, we have accelerated our efforts and set public-facing goals to drive progress. Cummins’  environmental sustainability strategy includes nine goals timed to 2030 and aspirational targets for 2050.  

When learning about components that help vehicles run more efficiently and safely, knowing about Exhaust Throttle Valves is crucial. An Exhaust Throttle Valve is a part of the engine that controls how exhaust gases flow out of the engine. It helps reduce pollution by making the engine work hard so it will warm up the aftertreatment system faster. It can also be used as an engine brake by creating resistance inside the engine. 

Sam T.'s path to a career in cybersecurity has been anything but conventional. After earning a degree in Law and Society from Purdue University, she discovered her passion for technology while taking an elective coding class in her final year. Although the class was challenging, Sam found inspiration in a female professor, an IT role model who encouraged her to pursue a career in technology. Motivated by this guidance, Sam went on to earn a second degree in Information Technology from Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI).