Infrastructure buildout’s impact on the next era of smarter, cleaner power

Just like a person needs a well-equipped desk to work, the trucking industry needs robust infrastructure to operate efficiently. As the world transitions into a decarbonized future, the role of infrastructure cannot be overlooked.

The trucking sector is an integral part of our society and economy. Think about medical supplies, food, or even fuel to power our cars; over 70% of all goods in America are delivered via truck. A truck isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a vital asset that directly supports the success of commercial businesses.    

The transportation industry is undergoing a major shift towards sustainability, driven by stricter emission regulations and environmental goals set by public companies and cities. While engine and truck manufacturers are making remarkable progress in developing low-carbon to zero-carbon technologies, infrastructure readiness has proven to be a significant factor in the pace of this energy transition.

Three elements define the infrastructure that will support this next era of smarter, more efficient power:

• Refueling infrastructure
• Fuel production and transportation infrastructure
• Service and support infrastructure

Refueling infrastructure

Refueling and charging infrastructure plays a crucial role in keeping internal combustion (ICE), battery electric and fuel cell vehicles on the road, and is one of the most talked-about aspects of the energy transition. Without an adequate refueling infrastructure, these vehicles cannot operate efficiently.

Different technologies require different fueling options, and the infrastructure for each fuel varies. For instance, hydrogen can be used in both internal combustion engines and fuel cells. ICEs can run on biodiesel, renewable natural gas (RNG), natural gas, or diesel. Batteries can run on electricity from different sources, and there are also hybrid vehicles, a blend between ICE and battery electric vehicles. While truck manufacturers and fleets of all sizes are working to be ready  for these newer products, the infrastructure to support them at a large-scale is not there yet.

Nevertheless, there has been significant investment in refueling stations in the last few years. The Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and the Inflation Reduction Act are funding truck-centric refueling corridors for electric and fast-fill hydrogen. As a part of the IIJA, Cummins is leading a project to develop battery charging and hydrogen fuel stations along the Interstate 80 Midwest Corridor. We’ve also partnered with Heliox to provide both the sale and service of EV chargers in North America. The availability of charging or refueling stations is critical in determining the success of these technologies.

Fuel production and transportation infrastructure

Fuel must be produced and transported to be available at refueling stations. Take diesel, for instance. First, crude oil is extracted and transported to refineries. After refining, it’s transported to distribution terminals, typically through pipelines. When pipelines are unavailable, rail or truck transport is used.  

While biofuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel have potential, production and distribution are challenging. Similarly, hydrogen is truly clean when it comes out of water, but it requires a lot of electricity to make. Generating enough electricity to power vehicles is also becoming a challenge with the existing limited grid.

To address these issues, Cummins and Chevron U.S.A. Inc. recently announced a partnership to grow the availability of alternative and renewable fuels like hydrogen, natural gas, and other liquid renewable fuels to expand commercial adoption.  

Service and support infrastructure

Service and maintenance infrastructure is often underappreciated, but it is critical to the success of any technology.

While some newer technologies claim to have fewer parts and do not require repairs, no technology can ever be zero-maintenance, and certainly not indefinitely. All vehicles, including diesel, natural gas, battery-electric, or hydrogen trucks, require maintenance and repairs to maximize uptime over the life of the vehicle.

Two significant challenges exist when developing service and support infrastructure:

Challenge #1: Establishing a broad service network

Developing the current diesel infrastructure that supports traditional internal combustion engines has been a monumental task, requiring billions of dollars and decades of investment and development. At Cummins, we are uniquely positioned for this energy transition with our own service and distribution network and understand the challenges of developing such a vast infrastructure. This investment goes beyond the physical aspects of dealerships and repair shops; it’s about investing in skilled workers to keep trucks on the road and ensure the industry’s continued success.

Challenge #2: Having enough technicians equipped to work on these technologies

One year ago, a dealer brought to my attention the lack of conversation and funding for those responsible for selling and servicing products, despite having funding available for technology manufacturers and end-customers. This is one aspect the industry should be focusing on more.

Hiring and equipping technicians to work on different technologies is one of the most significant challenges facing the industry today. The market is currently experiencing a shortage of diesel technicians. There has been a shift in the workforce, with more individuals pursuing college paths and a decline in vocational jobs. Today’s technicians often enter the market with less hands-on experience in industrial products compared to the past, when foundational knowledge was built from a young age. While they may be skilled in mechanical work, modern engines' increasing complexity requires them to develop strong electric diagnostic skills. These are the challenges of a 100-year-old technology, so imagine how the increased complexity of newer technologies would amplify them.

That said, training technicians to work across all technologies presents an exciting opportunity for growth and innovation in the industry. At Cummins, we are committed to maintaining top-tier service across all engine platforms, even in today’s challenging technician market. Our team is not only trained in traditional ICE engine repair and service but also equipped and ready to support new technologies. We are laying the groundwork for the next generation of service and support expertise.

Collaborating for a decarbonized future

As we move towards a sustainable future, it is clear that the energy transition requires significant investment and an enormous infrastructure build-out. To succeed, we must develop the necessary infrastructure for fueling, fuel production, transportation, and service and support. We must be creative, open-minded, and willing to explore different solutions. We must focus on what we can do, not what we can't do.

We can’t do this alone; it will take all of us – policymakers, government, peer companies, and fuel providers – working together to address a challenge of this magnitude to decarbonize our economy.