Mention Cummins, and whether you associate the name with pickup trucks?such as the Ram 2500 or the Nissan Titan XD?or with semis, you almost certainly think diesel. Now, weeks before Tesla is expected to reveal details of its much anticipated electric semi, Cummins has essentially beaten it to the punch with a fully electric Urban Hauler Tractor that the company says previews ?a series of next-generation, energy-diverse products.?
Cummins says that the truck, called the AEOS and termed a concept, has a ?state-of-the-art battery pack? with improvements in energy density, driving range, and charging rate compared with other electric vehicles. With 140 kWh, the pack brings a range of just 100 miles?although Cummins says that?s extendable to 300 miles with additional (modular) battery packs. The Indiana company also plans to offer a range-extending engine generator option; it claims that such a setup offers a 50 percent fuel savings versus today?s diesel hybrid models.

Cummins showed the truck in Class 7 form for heavy-duty tractor-trailer hauling, with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 33,000 pounds, although the company cites a Class 8 weight limit of 75,000 for the tractor day cab. Tesla?s semi, according to a recent Reuters report, is focusing on the same day-cab format as well as regional hauling needs and claims it will provide 200 to 300 miles of range.
The weight of the electric powertrain including the battery is about the same as that of the massive 12.0-lite...