Cummins, Multi-Fuel Engine Platforms, and Their Impact on Fleet Management

Field service and fleet management professionals are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. In recent years, electric vehicles have become a more popular option for businesses, as they are seen as a more environmentally friendly option. However, with the rise of multi-fuel engine platforms, many field service and fleet managers are considering multi-fuel options as a likely bridge toward sustainability.

In this article, we’ll explore what multi-fuel engine platforms and the future of electric vehicles mean for fleet management.

Cummins Invests in Multi-Fuel Engine Platforms

Cummins, one of the world’s largest diesel engine makers, is taking steps to decarbonize its engines. The diesel specialist has explored hydrogen-powered combustion engines and is now pursuing a multi-fuel engine platform that can help partners achieve their decarbonization goals.

Nonetheless, Cummins’ ultimate step is, "investing in electric powertrain solutions, seeing how more and more truck makers plan to offer electric trucks," according to an article autoevolution. This was the reason behind hits purchase of electric powertrain maker Meritor.

Meritor will help to broaden Cummins’ reach into the trucking sector. It will also provide Cummins customers with more options to customize their components. According to the article, "Up until now, its customers had the option to buy a truck from a third-party manufacturer like Freightliner but specify a diesel engine from Cummins. From now on, the range of customization possibilities will greatly extend to other components."

Multi-Fuel Platforms and Fleet Management

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and the continued development of multi-fuel engine platforms are two major trends that are impacting how fleet managers operate.

A multi-fuel engine platform is a powertrain that can run on more than one type of fuel. This could be a gasoline engine that has been modified to also run on propane or an electric car that has a backup gasoline engine.

Multi-fuel engine platforms offer several advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel engines. They're more fuel-efficient, produce fewer emissions, and can run on a variety of different fuel types, allowing for more flexibility when traveling.

EVs are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental benefits and range. However, they do have some disadvantages compared to multi-fuel engine platforms. EVs require a reliable and robust charging infrastructure, which can be expensive to develop and maintain. They also have shorter ranges than multi-fuel engine platforms, which can limit their usefulness for some applications.

Both EVs and multi-fuel engine platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. Fleet managers need to carefully consider which type of vehicle is best suited for their needs. They also need to consider how to maintain and repair these vehicles.

Multi-fuel engine platforms and EVs both require different types of maintenance than traditional gasoline or diesel engines. For example, multi-fuel engine platforms need to be regularly serviced to ensure they're running properly. EVs also require regular maintenance, but this is typically less intensive than for multi-fuel engine platforms.

Learn More About Sustainable Fleet Management

Multi-fuel engine platforms, EVs, and how they fit into fleet management workflows are set to be hot topics at the next Field Service event. Don’t miss the next event in the Field Service series, the conference for leaders in customer success, service, and support. The event will occur from August 16^th to 18^th at the Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa, SC.

Download the agenda today.