Cummins Group in India Unveils Fuel Agnostic Platform At Auto Expo 2023

Volkswagen India Expands Its Network In Kerala

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.

Subaru Begins Production Of BEVs At Upgraded Gunma Yajima Plant

Subaru Begins Production Of BEVs At Upgraded Gunma Yajima Plant

Marking a significant step in its electrification strategy, Subaru Corporation has initiated domestic production of Battery Electric Vehicles at its Gunma Yajima Plant. This launch coincides with the finalisation of extensive upgrades to the plant’s production systems, a project commenced in August 2025. Central to these enhancements is a new, flexible assembly line engineered to manufacture the all-new E-Outback alongside traditional petrol and hybrid models within a single, integrated process. This approach leverages Subaru's established expertise in mixed-model production, allowing the company to adapt efficiently to the evolving automotive landscape.

The E-Outback itself represents a key milestone as Subaru's second global BEV, developed through a longstanding alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation. This partnership, celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2025, has grown to encompass collaborative efforts in development, production and supply chain management. The recent manufacturing advancements are a direct result of deepened cooperation in electrification technologies, combined with continuous refinement of Subaru’s own manufacturing, or monozukuri, capabilities.

Looking forward, Subaru intends to further increase manufacturing flexibility. This focus aims to achieve greater production efficiency and development agility, thereby strengthening the company's ability to respond to market shifts and bolster its overall competitiveness. The Subaru E-Outback is scheduled for introduction in the United Kingdom during Summer 2026, with full specifications to be disclosed nearer the launch date.

VinFast Wins Dual Honours In India For Investment And Electric SUV

VinFast Wins Dual Honours In India For Investment And Electric SUV

VinFast’s strategic progress in India has been further validated through recent accolades from the influential Vikatan Group media network. The company was distinguished with two significant awards: one recognising its substantial investment commitment, and the other honouring its VF 7 model as the premier urban electric vehicle for 2026. These commendations underscore the brand’s deepening integration into the Indian automotive sector, highlighting both its industrial strategy and its product relevance.

The title of Investor of the Year, conferred by Nanayam Vikatan business magazine, specifically acknowledges VinFast’s landmark commitment to establishing an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. This project is noted not only for its scale and strategic clarity but also for its anticipated role in fostering a new industrial corridor, generating employment and bolstering the local supplier network. It aligns with national initiatives like Make in India and reflects confidence in the region’s manufacturing potential.

Concurrently, the VF 7 electric SUV was named Urban Electric Vehicle of the Year at the Motor Vikatan Awards 2026. This recognition from automotive experts underscores the model’s successful adaptation to India’s urban driving conditions, balancing design, performance, safety and comfort. It serves as a testament to VinFast’s product development focus and its localisation strategy aimed at meeting specific market demands.

As a respected media institution in South India with a legacy dating to 1926, the Vikatan Group’s awards carry considerable weight among businesses and consumers. These latest honours add to a growing list of VinFast’s achievements in the market, illustrating the convergence of its investment, manufacturing, and product efforts. Within a short timeframe, the company has employed a long-term strategy encompassing manufacturing, retail, charging infrastructure and after-sales services. Through this comprehensive approach and a focus on sustainable innovation, VinFast is steadily building its brand presence while contributing to India’s transition towards green mobility.

Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, said, “Being recognised in two important award categories demonstrates how VinFast is steadily building its position in India, not only through long term investment commitments but also through products developed to match local conditions and user needs. This recognition provides further momentum for us to accelerate implementation, expand the electric vehicle ecosystem, and maintain a long-term partnership with the Indian market.”

B Srinivasan, CEO, Vikatan Group, said, “VinFast India represents the new-age investor – bold in vision, swift in execution and deeply aligned with India’s growth story. By unravelling the true potential of the port city of Thoothukudi, VinFast India has helped create a conducive industrial ecosystem, played a positive role in employment generation and restored the city’s importance on India’s manufacturing map. Their investment is not just capital at work but confidence in India’s future.”

Blue Energy Motors And HPCL Forge Nationwide Pact For Electric Truck Battery Swapping

Blue Energy Motors And HPCL Forge Nationwide Pact For Electric Truck Battery Swapping

Blue Energy Motors and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have entered a strategic partnership to deploy Battery Swapping Stations for electric commercial trucks at select HPCL fuel outlets nationwide. This initiative leverages HPCL’s extensive network of over 24,400 retail locations to create a widespread and convenient energy infrastructure for freight operators. By situating swap stations within established fuelling hubs, the collaboration seeks to make electric mobility a practical and scalable reality for India’s logistics sector.

The core advantage of battery swapping lies in its dramatic reduction of energy replenishment time to under five minutes, minimising vehicle downtime compared to conventional charging. For fleet operators, this efficiency translates into higher vehicle utilisation, improved productivity and more predictable scheduling. Furthermore, a growing and accessible network of swap stations alleviates range anxiety, enabling electric heavy-duty trucks to confidently undertake longer routes and multiple shifts.

As India advances its green transportation goals, this alliance holds significant strategic value. HPCL’s vast retail footprint, which already supports over 5,400 EV charging points under its HP e-Charge brand, offers a ready platform for rapid infrastructure deployment across key freight corridors. Blue Energy Motors, a pioneer in zero-emission freight solutions, brings its expertise in electric commercial vehicles, exemplified by its launch of India’s first electric freight corridor. Together, the companies aim to accelerate electric vehicle adoption by directly addressing the operational needs of commercial fleets, thereby strengthening the long-term development of sustainable freight transport in the country.

Eicher Pro X Range

Eicher Trucks and Buses, part of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has completed a journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari using its Eicher Pro X EV.

The record verified by the India Book of Records (IBR), saw the electric vehicle cover over 4,000 kilometres in 6 days under loaded conditions. The run commenced in Srinagar on 20 January 2026 and concluded in Kanyakumari on 26 January 2026, traversing the Himalayas, plains and the Deccan Plateau.

Throughout the expedition, the vehicle utilised public chargers located via the MyEicher App. An adjudicator from the India Book of Records accompanied the truck to monitor route compliance, load, distance and charging stops. The mission served as a demonstration of electric vehicle endurance across diverse altitudes and climates to validate the technology for logistics corridors.

The journey was intended to show that electric commercial vehicles can operate beyond short-haul deliveries. By maintaining performance across hilly and coastal routes, the Pro X EV aimed to establish total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits and maintenance predictability for fleet operators. The successful completion of the route suggests that current charging infrastructure can support long-haul electric freight movement.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “For more than four decades, Eicher trucks and Buses have earned customer trust through leadership in fuel efficiency and application-specific engineering. The record-setting performance of the Eicher Pro X reinforces our unwavering focus on application excellence, reliability, and performance, anchored in robust product development and manufacturing capabilities, and enabled by a customer-centric, pan-India commercial and dealer network. I commend the entire Eicher team for achieving these well-deserved records”.

SS Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “By covering the K2K route with a loaded Pro X EV, Eicher Trucks & Buses has proven that electric mobility is no longer restricted to short-haul, ‘last-mile’ deliveries. We are not just setting records, but through the strength of our service network and extensive dealer set-up, we are demonstrating that our EV technology is commercially viable, reliable, and has the range to serve as the backbone of India’s green logistics corridors”.

Abhishek Chaudhary, SVP – SCV Sales & Marketing, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “The Eicher Pro X EV was put to the ultimate test – covering over 4000 kilometres across diverse climates and challenging altitudes. With this recognition from the India Book of Records we’ve moved beyond our own stringent testing benchmarks to real-world validation - Demonstrating that Eicher Pro X EV is a dependable partner for logistics movement across varied operations in India”.