The Cummins Urban Hauler EV is an all-electric, Class 7 day cab tractor designed for urban delivery, drayage and port facility applications. Photo: Jim Park

Cummins has beaten Tesla to the punch with its unveiling of a new, all-electric truck, a demonstration vehicle dubbed the Urban Hauler EV.

With all eyes looking toward Tesla and its much-hyped unveiling of its new all-electric, commercial truck next month, Cummins on Aug. 29 stunned the trucking industry with the launch of its own new and fully electric, Class 7 day cab tractor.

The story is still developing, but it appears the new truck is a prototype model for demonstration purposes The truck reportedly is intended for urban delivery, port drayage, terminal hauling, and similar applications.

According to Cummins, the concept Class 7 Urban Hauler EV uses a state-of-the art battery pack, which “redefines” energy efficiency and density capabilities for the electric vehicle market.

Cummins said the lighter, denser battery design allows it to hold a longer charge for improved range and faster charging, reducing downtime.

The concept truck design includes an Engine-Generator option for extended range capabilities, allowing users to benefit from Cummins B4.5 or B6.7 engines, providing a major advantage over today’s hybrid systems. These engine options offer 50% fuel savings compared to today’s diesel hybrids with zero emissions.

During the unveiling event, which included tours of the Cummins technical center, Cummins leaders and scientists showcased the company’s continued innovation and work in analysis-led design capability, virtual reality, alternative fuels and digital capabilities, all of which the company said are positioning it to win in current and future technologies and in new markets.

More to Come in Engine Tech

Cummins also said it plans to introduce a revolutionary heavy-duty diesel engine in 2022. It showcased a variety of cutting-edge transportation technologies at the event, including clean diesel engines and natural gas and other alternative fuel capabilities, as well as digital capabilities, including data and analytical solutions.

Cummins had previously signaled that it will be moving into the electric vehicle space in the future. “These new technological innovations build on our 100-year legacy of bringing the best solutions to our customers, driving their success and meeting the evolving demands of their industries and markets,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins' chief technical officer, at the event.

“We will harness our global technical footprint to continue to develop a wide variety of power technologies to bring our customers the choice and solutions that enable their success and contribute to a sustainable future," she added.

“As a global power leader for the commercial and industrial customers we serve, with an unmatched service and support network, we are better positioned than any other company to win in new and emerging technologies and in new markets,” commented Cummins President and COO Rich Freeland. “We will leverage our deep industry and customer knowledge and our scale advantage to win. Over the past century, our ability to innovate and adapt has fueled our success and we are confident we are on the right path to do it again.”

This story is developing and more in-depth reports will be available soon.

Video: Brett Merritt, Cummins executive director, On-Highway Business