Cummins has been awarded $75 million to convert approximately 360,000 sq. ft. of existing manufacturing space at its Columbus, Indiana Engine Plant (CEP) for zero-emissions components and electric powertrain systems. The $75 million grant is the largest federal grant ever awarded solely to Cummins and is part of the appropriations related to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Cummins said it will match the grant and invest $75 million for a total of $150 million to convert the space and expand production of battery packs, powertrain systems and other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) components for Accelera by Cummins, the company’s zero-emissions business segment. To support this additional manufacturing capacity, Cummins anticipates adding approximately 250 full-time jobs, with opportunities for the plant’s existing workforce to transition to many of these positions over time.

“This DOE grant is another step forward in the progress we are making toward a zero-emissions future and expanding battery manufacturing in the United States,” Amy Davis, president of Accelera by Cummins, said. “Today’s announcement represents a crucial step in advancing electrification and domestic battery supply chains. Partnership with government, customers, and the industry as a whole is required to accelerate the shift to zero. We are proud of this milestone and to be adding clean tech jobs to develop the workforce and communities of the future.”

After the completion of this project, CEP will house approximately 350 employees focused on BEV-related work, according to Cummins. Nearly half of the 1.42 million sq. ft. facility, which opened in 1926, will be dedicated to zero-emissions manufacturing. The electric powertrains produced at CEP will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 104 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030.

Through its Destination Zero strategy, Cummins said it is committed to helping customers seamlessly and successfully transition to a zero-emissions future and understands that a variety of solutions are required to reach this goal.