Cummins Acquires Battery Systems Business From Johnson Matthey
Independent engine maker Cummins Inc. continued its push into commercial vehicle electrification. The company announced it has acquired Johnson Matthey’s UK automotive battery systems business, a subsidiary that specializes in high-voltage automotive grade battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles.
The acquisition closed Jan. 31. Terms were not immediately disclosed.
As part of the acquisition, Cummins and Johnson Matthey also agreed to collaborate on the development of high energy battery materials for commercial heavy-duty applications, according to the Columbus, Ind.-based company.
“The addition of Johnson Matthey Battery Systems’ technical expertise and customer base in markets that are more rapidly adopting electrification further positions us as a global energy storage supplier,” Cummins CEO Tom Linebarger said in a company release.
As one of Europe’s largest lithium-ion battery system suppliers, the acquired business has 50 employees and is based in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom.
“In divesting our automotive battery systems business to Cummins we can focus on our strategy of expanding our eLNO [enhanced lithium nickel oxide] platform and developing commercial battery materials for the full range of transport applications,” Johnson Matthey CEO Robert MacLeod said.
.@Cummins acquires high-voltage battery pack company, @jm_battery, to expand electrification and energy storage capabilities. https://t.co/kzrEzLEs4P pic.twitter.com/eqTt7Lpt3d — Cummins Inc. (@Cummins) January 31, 2018
In October, Cummins announced the acquisition of Brammo, which is known for designing and developing low-voltage battery packs for mobile and stationary applications. The addition of Johnson Matthey Battery Systems' high-voltage battery expertise provides Cummins with capability across the entire range of energy storage options.
Also, in August, Cummins unveiled a Class 7 concept truck with an all-electric powertrain. It dubbed the vehicle Aeos for one of the flying horses that pulled the chariot of the god Helios and the Sun across the sky in Greek mythology.
“What differentiates us is our ability to help customers succeed with high quality products across the spectrum of power solutions they use, whether it’s electric, diesel, natural gas or other energy solutions,” Linebarger said.
Cummins noted it will continue to explore other opportunities to add electrification capabilities as it prepares for delivery of electrified powertrains to customers in 2019.
