New Joint Venture Forms to Advance U.S. Battery Cell Production

Daimler Trucks and PACCAR are partnering with Accelera by Cummins to establish a joint venture for battery cell production, focusing on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology for commercial battery-electric trucks, including school buses from Daimler subsidiary Thomas Built Buses. The companies plan to invest up to $3 billion in a 21-gigawatt hour factory, each owning 30%, and EVE Energy, a Chinese firm, holding 10% and contributing battery cell design and manufacturing expertise. The LFP battery cells aim to offer cost, longevity, and safety advantages without nickel and cobalt. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027. The joint venture seeks to enhance battery technology for sustainable transportation while generating U.S. manufacturing jobs.

‘Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins, said her company wants what is best for stakeholders and the planet: “This requires working closely with key partners. Today’s announcement reflects that action. Not only are we advancing a key technology solution for our customers, but accelerating the energy transition in the United States.”‘

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