Cummins presented a new generation of lithium iron phosphate LFP batteries at Busworld Europe 2025, developed by its zero-emission technology division Accelera by Cummins. These batteries reach an energy density close to 165 Wh per kilogram, a significant improvement for this chemistry. This brings them closer to the performance of NMC batteries while keeping the main advantages that have driven the industry to prefer LFP for urban buses, including higher thermal safety, longer life cycle, and a lower total cost of ownership.
The system was designed following a cell to chassis approach. The cells are integrated directly into the bus chassis, allowing better use of available space. In the one tier configuration, the pack has a height of approximately 140 millimeters, which allows installation under the floor without reducing interior passenger capacity. This feature is especially useful for operators who need to maximize capacity on high demand routes.
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Cummins announced that production of these packs will begin in Europe in 2028, while a variant called 3T will be available in North America starting in 2027. The platform is modular and can be adapted to different customer needs, including urban transit buses, BRT systems, and regional transport applications.
For Latin America, this development is relevant for several reasons. The region is moving toward the electrification of public transportation, although at very different speeds from one country to another. Cities like Bogotá, Santiago, Mexico City, and São Paulo already operate or are evaluating large scale electric fleets. In this context, an LFP battery that is lighter, more energy-dense, and structurally integrated can help optimize demanding routes, reduce maintenance costs, and improve vehicle availability.
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LFP batteries are also attractive for Latin American operators because they handle deep charge and discharge cycles more effectively, which is essential on routes with complex topography and unpredictable traffic patterns. In addition, the expected reduction in total cost of ownership can be a decisive factor for municipal fleets that depend on tight tenders or limited public budgets.
Even though Cummins is strongly promoting electrification, the company maintains a multi-energy strategy. It also showcased advanced diesel engines, natural gas engines, and a hydrogen internal combustion engine. This approach is particularly relevant for Latin America, where many cities still lack robust electrical grids, charging infrastructure, or regulatory stability to fully electrify their transport systems in the short term. Having multiple technological options allows a more flexible and realistic transition for each context.
Overall, the new LFP batteries from Cummins represent an opportunity to accelerate the modernization of transportation systems in the region. They offer technical improvements that can translate into greater efficiency, better operational capability, and more sustainable costs, which are essential for Latin America to continue moving toward cleaner mobility without compromising the economic viability of its fleets.
