Isuzu North America Corporation made news this week, announcing the development of its all-new, zero-emission Isuzu Class 6 & 7 truck using an Accelera by Cummins powertrain for both the United States and Canada.
Isuzu states the truck represents the first zero-emissions solution facilitated by the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership formed in May 2019.
Powered by Accelera’s next generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, this new Isuzu truck will support customers in achieving zero emissions while providing all the benefits associated with a low cab forward chassis. Current plans for the vehicle’s availability is slated for 2026, the company says.
This addition will further broaden Isuzu’s product line-up and powertrain offerings providing customers in the medium-duty segment (Class 6 & 7) a zero-emission option, the company adds.
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“With the start of production of our Isuzu class 5 N-Series EV coming this summer and with the future addition of the Isuzu battery electric class 6 & 7 truck, we will be able to provide zero emission solutions across our product line-up. This will also improve the breadth of our overall offerings providing customers the ability to choose the product and propulsion system that best fits their needs,” says Shaun Skinner, executive officer, Isuzu Motors Limited.
Amy Davis, president, Accelera by Cummins, values the Isuzu-Cummins collaboration to help customers achieve zero emissions.
“Partnership and collaboration is critical to supporting customers through the energy transition. Together with Isuzu, and our joint commitment to innovation, we will provide customers with safe, reliable zero-emissions solutions,” she adds.
Isuzu Motors Limited also announced Monday it has agreed to further partnership with Gatik to further enhance the development of the North American autonomous driving business. Isuzu will invest $30 million in Gatik, forging a strong partnership between the two companies in the pursuit of realizing mobility services based on level 4 autonomous driving.
Isuzu says the agreement between Isuzu and Gatik is focused on the development of middle mile autonomous driving and will include the design and development of a new chassis (redundant chassis) that ensures safety when equipped with an autonomous driving system. The companies have the aim of launching a level 4 autonomous commercial vehicle business in 2027.