Cummins Group in India, a power solutions technology provider, unveiled a fuel agnostic platform and its diversified range of hydrogen technologies power solutions at Auto Expo 2023 today, in India Expo Mart, Noida, India.

At the product launch event, the company brought its Destination Zero strategy to life by unveiling low zero emission products focused on decarbonisation. According to Cummins, the launch event was presided by senior officials from Cummins Inc and India where the leadership team reinforced that Cummins is actively working to transition its customers to products that ultimately eliminate carbon emission and will have the right products to serve customers throughout the transition. 

Speaking at the launch event, Ashwath Ram, Managing Director, Cummins Group in India, said, “We share India’s vision of ‘Energy for Sustainable Growth’ and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. With a promising combination of our strong, global technological expertise and our deep understanding of the India market due to our 60+ year legacy, we are well positioned to contribute toward India’s aim of becoming a cleaner and greener ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. We understand that the road transport sector has a major role to play in helping reduce emissions so India can meet its climate goals, and we are deeply committed to play our part in powering the nation’s decarbonisation journey. Our innovation can be seen in action through the range of solutions on display at Auto Expo this week, and it reaffirms our commitment to decarbonisation. We will continue to work together with our stakeholders on low carbon and zero emissions solutions that further our shared goal of reducing our carbon footprint on the planet.”

Srikanth Padmanabhan, President – Engine Business, Cummins Inc, said, “Realising a net-zero future will require a range of technologies, and no one understands that better than Cummins. Our Destination Zero strategy considers the significant diversity of applications in our industry. We power some of the world's most demanding and economically vital applications. There is not a single solution or path to zero that will work for all these applications, considering the variation in duty cycles and operating environments and locations. We must advance solutions in a way that secures a sustainable future for the industries that keep the world running. That's why we have developed the broadest range of ultra-low and zero-emission technologies dedicated to the commercial vehicle industry, which is being showcased at the Auto Expo.”

Destination Zero is part of the framework of Cummins’ broader PLANET 2050 environmental sustainability strategy, which also includes a focus on improving the communities the company operates in, and using natural resources in the most responsible way.

Cummins is showcasing its fuel agnostic platform, demonstrating a practical way to reduce emissions now, using technology that OEMs, fleet managers and operators are familiar with. Cummins claims that the fuel-agnostic architecture utilises a common base engine with cylinder heads and fuel systems, specifically tailored to fuel ranging from diesel to natural gas to renewable to natural gas to hydrogen. The platform offers OEMs common engine architecture across multiple fuel types, resulting to a high degree of parts commonality.

At the Auto Expo 2023, the fuel-agnostic platform concept is demonstrated through – 

Move to zero carbon fuel (Innovation in ICE technology – fuel agnostic platform)

• Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (B6.7H engine)
  Cummins states that part of the fuel agnostic platform is what could become the most practical to reaching zero carbon emissions for medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturers – Cummins’ hydrogen internal combustion B6.7H engine. When paired with green hydrogen, this engine produces zero Well-To-Wheel CO2 emissions. Moreover, it has an industry-leading 700 bar hydrogen tank that enables quick refueling, as per Cummins.
  
  With the B6.7H engine, Cummins has addressed the medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses segment, thus highlighting the technology’s ability to support decarbonisation across multiple duty-cycles.
  
  Immediate shift to low-carbon technology
  
  Natural Gas Internal Combustion Engine (CNG/LNG/Bio-CNG) 
  Cummins claims that natural gas engines help lower emissions and reduce a vehicle’s overall environmental impact, without sacrificing the performance needed to get the job done. Natural gas engines are also the most mature, proven and least disruptive alternative power technology available today. According to Cummins, natural gas infrastructure is available and accelerates the government’s vision of increasing natural gas share in energy mix from 6-15 percent by 2030. Significant investments are already planned to build the infrastructure, both on CNG and LNG, and this technology will help achieve the government’s vision.
  
  Cummins states that its B6.7H Natural Gas Internal Combustion Engine is the industry’s first big bore natural gas engine, purpose built to support CO2 emissions reduction in long distance trucking, up to 10 percent Co2 reduction achievable for CNG/LNG over a diesel truck and up to 75 percent Co2 reduction achievable when used with bio-gas, thus improving air quality as per BSVI compliance and capability of Euro VII, too. 
  
  Switching to the latest generation diesel technology
  
  Advanced diesel (B6.7 diesel/Bio-diesel) 
  With a foundation of almost 700,000 Euro VI, low emission engines supplied, Cummins showcased its latest generation advanced diesel platform. As per Cummins, its advanced diesel B6.7 engines give customers the opportunity to reduce emissions, alongside significant improvements in power and torque, as they are built on the industry’s first fuel agnostic platform, compliant to BSVI OBDIII emission norms.
  
  Innovative zero emission solutions
  
  Electrolyzer (for green H2 generation)
  Electrolyzer takes the water as input and splits it into hydrogen and oxygen as output. Cummins claims that when supplied with renewable energy, the H2 generated is called green H2, since the process doesn’t have any carbon footprint. Cummins has supplied and commissioned more than 600 electrolyzers worldwide with PEM and alkaline technologies, it states. The company displayed a modular variant of the state-of-the-art electrolyzer-stack technology at the Auto Expo 2023.
  
  Hydrogen fuel cell
  Cummins’ latest generation fuel cell engine will showcase the rapid evolution of zero emissions technologies. For customers that need and want to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions today, hydrogen fuel cells would be an apt solution when supplied with green H2 as fuel, according to Cummins. Building on the deployments of more than 2,000 fuel cells globally for various applications, including buses, trucks, stationery power and railways, this next generation product provides improved power density, efficiency and durability, and is available in single (rated power - 125kW) and dual module (rated power - 240kW) engines for both medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that can work in diverse working environments from -30 °C to 45 °C, with 60 percent peak efficiency.
  
  Battery-electric technology (Battery-LFP and NMC)
  Drawing on deep duty cycle and application experience, Cummins has developed the new generation battery pack solutions. The company is showcasing multiple batteries that help customers to reach zero emissions today, Cummins claims. These lithium-ion batteries are with distinct chemistries, like lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) that optimise to serve diverse needs of charging time, weight, range and cost economics of a variety of applications in the market. According to Cummins, the batteries are equipped with advanced Battery Management System (BMS) for monitoring various critical battery parameters, diagnostics and improve the battery life and performance.
  
  Electric powertrain technology (14Xe ePowertrain)
  Cummins recently announced its acquisition of Meritor, a global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and electric powertrain technologies. The addition of Meritor strengthens Cummins’ industry-leading range of powertrain components and will enable accelerated development of electrified power solutions. As per Cummins, together with Meritor, they will move further and faster in developing economically viable decarbonised powertrain solutions that advance the company’s Destination Zero strategy.
  
  The 14Xe ePowertrain is designed for scalability and can be adapted to fit various electric powertrain needs based on the vehicle application and duty cycle. Cummins claims that its design provides high-efficiency, lower weight and better turning radius. Thus, it enables longer vehicle range by integrating the motor and transmission into the axle, thereby freeing up space for more batteries.

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CATL and Stellantis broke ground on a EUR 4.1 billion battery plant in Figueruelas, Spain, on 26 November. The 50:50 joint venture will produce lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells and targets an annual production capacity of 50 GW/h.

The project, which is Spain’s largest battery factory, is backed by over EUR 300 million in EU funds, with production expected to start in late 2026.

According to unions, around 2,000 Chinese workers will help construct the site, a point of contention with local authorities and residents. Also, 3,000 Spanish staff are to be hired and trained later.

Spanish authorities and residents have voiced concerns about job opportunities for local workers and potential strain from the influx of foreign employees. CATL Vice President Meng Xiangfeng said earlier in November the company needed experienced technicians to build and fine-tune production lines, with plans to train local workers to take over operations gradually.

David Romeral, Director General of CAAR Aragon, a network of automotive businesses in the region, said: “We don’t know this technology, these components – we’ve never made them before. They’re years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn.”

The regional government is organising work permits for arriving workers while seeking to attract battery supply chain companies to Aragon. Some Chinese technicians and managers have already arrived, with several hundred more expected by year-end and nearly 2,000 by the end of next year.

CATL’s approach contrasts with its Hungarian site in Debrecen, where it hired mostly locals to build its European plant. However, a lack of local workers caused production to be delayed from late 2025 into mid-2026. The Figueruelas facility will serve as CATL’s third European manufacturing operation, alongside the Hungarian plant and one in Germany.

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Neuron Energy, an EV battery manufacturer, has raised INR 310 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by Equanimity Ventures, Rajiv Dadlani Group, Thackersay Family Office and Chona Family Office, with participation from Family Offices and HNI investors. With this, Neuron Energy has raised INR 810 million to date.

The funding will be used to expand Neuron Energy’s manufacturing capacity to 3 GWh and to establish a fully automated, large-scale battery facility for electric four-wheelers and buses at Chakan, Pune. The capital will also strengthen the company’s R&D capabilities, accelerate domestic growth, and broaden its footprint in international markets.

Pratik Kamdar, CEO and Co-Founder, Neuron Energy, said, “This Pre-Series B round is a defining step in our mission to industrialise world-class battery manufacturing in India. As EV adoption accelerates, we are focused on building capacity, embedding automation, and pushing the boundaries of performance and reliability. This investment ensures we can deliver at scale, both in India and globally.”

The company said it operates with a low-CapEx and low-OpEx business model. It has been growing profitably year-on-year and is on track to achieve INR 2 billion in revenue this year. The company is also confident of achieving sales of over INR 9 billion, with profitability, over the next few years.

Rajesh Sehgal of Equanimity Ventures, added, "We see immense potential in Neuron Energy’s approach to EV battery innovation and scalability. Their focus on quality, automation, and energy efficiency aligns with the evolving demands of the EV industry in India and beyond. We are proud to support their next phase of growth as they scale into new vehicle categories and manufacturing capacities."

The new facility reinforces the company’s position in two-wheeler EV batteries and signals a strategic entry into heavier vehicle segments. This supports Neuron’s vision to become a comprehensive EV battery solutions provider.

Rajiv Dadlani, from the Family Office of the Rajiv Dadlani Group, said, "Neuron Energy demonstrates remarkable potential to become the market leader, with their renewed focus, in delivering top-quality products. The company and its founders are highly committed to delivering rigorously tested and safe-to-use Li-Ion smart batteries. We are confident that they will continue to thrive and set new standards in the industry."

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Mahindra has launched the XEV 9S, an electric 7-seater SUV built on the INGLO platform, with prices starting at INR 1.99 million (ex-showroom).  The XEV 9S is powered by MAIA, described as India’s fastest automotive mind.

The EV comes with a 70 kWh battery, delivering a power of 180 kW and 380 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed real-world range of 500 km from its LFP battery, which comes with a Lifetime Warranty. The SUV is stated to be the fastest 7-seater in its class, reaching zero to 100 kmph in 7.0 seconds, with a 202 kmph top speed.

The fully-loaded Pack Three Above 79 kWh variant is priced at INR 2.94 million ex-showroom with bookings open on 14 January 2026 and deliveries starting on 23 January 2026.

R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “We have always believed that technology is meaningful only when it expands human possibility. The XEV 9S built on the INGLO electric origin platform does exactly that by creatin space – more than anyone else and gives a smooth and noise free ride. THE MAIA brain enables many of its high-tech features, making it the most advanced offering for its price.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, Chief Executive Officer - Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra and Executive Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, “The future of Indian mobility will belong to brands that don’t just electrify vehicles, but reimagine categories. With the XEV 9S, we’re not just playing in the EV segment, we’re expanding it. This SUV signals the start of a BIG new electric era for Mahindra - one built on scale, on purpose, and on a deep understanding of how India moves. The attractive prices starting at ₹ 19.95 Lakh make a very high-tech product accessible, with bookings opening on Jan 14 and deliveries start on Jan 23.”

The XEV 9S is an expression of Mahindra’s Heartcore Design philosophy, featuring a stance, lines, a gloss finish and interiors. The vehicle is designed to be silent on wheels.

Key highlights include:

• Space: Offers 4,076-litre of cabin space (for front and second row), boot space up to 527-litre and 150-litre of Frunk space. The third-row features 50:50 split seats.
• Suspension: Features Intelligent Adaptive dampers with i-Link at the front and 5-Link independent suspension at the rear.
• Driver Aids: Includes L2+ ADAS with five Radars and one Vision Camera, Driver Drowsiness Detection with DOMS (Eyedentity) and Secure360 Pro for live view and recording.
• Interior Comfort: Features Powered Boss Mode, ventilated second row seats, recline and sliding adjustment, sunshade for second row windows, Acoustic ‘Laminated’ Glass and wireless phone charging.
• Technology: Equipped with Brake by Wire with IEB, High Power Steering with VGR, VisionX – AR HUD, AutoPark Assist, and 140 features including Digital Key, NFC and Charge Scheduler.
• Entertainment: Includes a 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos, three 31.24 cm screens, 5G Connectivity and Fun & Work Apps.
• Efficiency: Running costs are INR 1.2 per km, with maintenance costs of INR 40 paise per kilometre and negligible road tax. Business owners benefit from 40 percent depreciation.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer - Auto & Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Designing the XEV 9S wasn’t about adding lines to a surface, it was about shaping a feeling. We wanted it to feel like stepping into a personal sanctuary, yet one that carries the pulse of modern India. Electric gave us the canvas; INGLO gave us the freedom to sculpt light, space and comfort. The result is an SUV that wears its size with grace and its technology with humility. It’s expressive, it’s calm, and it’s unmistakably Mahindra - built for a nation whose aspirations are only getting bigger.”

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