Cummins Opens New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain Integration Center

Cummins has opened its Hydrogen Fuel Cell Powertrain Integration Center in West Sacramento, California, signaling its commitment to scaling the green hydrogen economy in the United States. As the newest tenant in the California Fuel Cell Partnership building, Cummins will continue its work to make zero-emissions fleets a reality for customers with its PEM fuel cell technology.

“Our presence in West Sacramento is important to advancing hydrogen technologies while being a central part of the decarbonization conversation in the United States,” said Amy Davis, Vice President and President of New Power at Cummins. “With the most advanced hydrogen infrastructure system in the country, California provides a great ecosystem for advancing alternative power technologies. Ultimately, our goal is to accelerate change in transportation, innovate for our customers and put more zero-emissions vehicles on the road. This facility will help us do exactly that.”

Cummins is investing in two types of hydrogen fuel cells: proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). At the West Sacramento facility, the focus is PEM fuel cells, which are considered a good solution for high-power transportation applications, like heavy-duty, long-haul trucks. When the hydrogen used to fuel a fuel cell vehicle is green, meaning it is produced using renewable electricity, the result is zero-carbon transportation.

“We’re investing heavily in alternative power solutions, particularly hydrogen fuel cells, batteries and electric drivetrains,” said Amy Adams, Vice President of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technologies at Cummins. “We have unique expertise and talent to bring these together and put trucks in our customers’ hands today.” 

The new 18,000 sq. ft. Cummins site is designed specifically for hydrogen innovation, including safety features, and will house fuel cell integration and fuel cell powertrain development and testing, controls and electrical engineering. Cummins will be the largest tenant at the California Fuel Cell Partnership facility, which is occupied by other alternative power innovators and technology companies.

“Cummins’ commitment to the State of California and to innovating more sustainable industry is important to the growth of our hydrogen economy and maintaining our role as a global leader in addressing the climate crisis,” said Frank Ramirez, Deputy Director, Goods Movement and Sustainable Freight, Go-Biz. “We support the work they are doing in West Sacramento, as they partner with companies across the state to improve sustainability and protect our communities.”

Cummins has a long history of advanced technology and engineering capabilities, and a broad portfolio of market-leading renewable hydrogen and battery electric technologies. To date, Cummins has deployed more than 2,000 fuel cells, 600 electrolyzers and 400 battery electric powertrains globally. Cummins technology has been part of many of the world’s “firsts,” including powering the largest PEM electrolysis plant in the U.S. for the Douglas County Public Utility District in Washington; the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell commercial maritime vessel, a 75-passenger ferry in San Francisco, Calif.; the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger train being deployed across Europe; the world’s first hydrogen refueling station for ships, cars, trucks and industrial customers in Antwerp, Belgium; and the world’s largest PEM electrolysis plant in Bécancour, Canada.