INDOT partners with Cummins, Purdue on nation’s first EV-charging highway

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Shared with permission of The Republic, Columbus

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is partnering with Cummins Inc. and Purdue University to install and test what has been billed as the first stretch of highway in the United States that can wirelessly charge electric vehicles as they drive down the road. 

The project, which has an estimated $11 million price tag, seeks to install the new technology underneath a quarter-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 231/U.S. Highway 52 in West Lafayette, INDOT said. State officials said they expect to start removing pavement from the test site to install the Purdue-designed technology as early as Monday, with construction expected to continue through the fall and some additional work to last until May 2025. 

A professor and student examining a slab of concrete pavement
Professor John Haddock and graduate student Oscar Moncada examine a slab of concrete pavement they tested to handle heavy truckloads with wireless power-transfer technology installed below the surface. The machine behind them is designed to imitate those loads by repeatedly passing half a loaded semi-truck axle across the concrete slab. (Photo provided by Consensus Digital Media) 

Essentially, construction crews will install electromagnetic coils underneath the pavement that will allow electric vehicles with a receiver to charge up their batteries while driving over the test site. The technology is similar to how some smartphones use magnetic fields to wirelessly charge when placed on a charging pad. 

While similar projects have been done in other states and countries, the Indiana project has been billed as the first aimed at charging both heavy-duty and passenger electric vehicles while traveling at highway speeds, which requires higher power levels, according to Purdue. 

Officials said they hope the project will contribute to the development of electrified highways that could help curb greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, which accounted for 29% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

If electric trucks could charge using highways, their limited range could be extended and their batteries could be reduced in size, allowing them to carry more freight, significantly reducing costs of using electric vehicles to haul freight, officials said. 

INDOT said it hopes to electrify a section of an Indiana interstate for further testing within four to five years. 

Cummins, which is headquartered in Columbus and is the largest employer in the area, plans to test Purdue’s wireless charging technology with a Kenworth T680 truck that has been modified to be fully battery electric, said company spokeswoman Lauren Daniel. 

The vehicle will be one of two trucks that Cummins previously developed for a project funded by the U.S Department of Energy that uses high-power stationary wireless charging to demonstrate 20 hours a day operation, Daniel said. The DOE project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. 

The fully electric truck will drive over the test site as part of a pilot program that is tentatively planned to start next year, INDOT said. 

“At the conclusion of the DOE project … the charging system on one of the trucks will be converted from its existing stationary wireless charging system to the Purdue dynamic wireless power transfer system,” Daniel said. 

The Indiana project adds to a growing list of similar projects that seek to test the effectiveness of charging electric vehicles while in motion. 

Last year, a quarter-mile stretch of 14th Street just west of downtown Detroit was equipped with similar technology, The Associated Press reported. 

The technology in the Detroit project belongs to Electreon, an Israel-based developer of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles, according to wire reports. The company has contracts for similar roadways in Israel, Sweden, Italy and Germany. 

INDOT, for its part, said the technology is has undergone multiple levels of research and testing and has been found to be safe for motorists. The magnetic fields cannot electrocute drivers. 

Purdue researchers plan to focus first on testing how well the technology transfers power to electric trucks, INDOT said. 

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

Why you should become a Cummins Home and Small Business dealer

Cummins dealer smiling next to home generator

For more than 100 years, Cummins Inc. has been dedicated to making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. As a company, we seek to be customer-driven, innovative, responsible, and trustworthy so that we can truly make a difference now and in the future.

But exactly what does Cummins do? At a high level, we create power solutions. You’ll find Cummins products and solutions for on- and off-highway engines, turbochargers, electronics, fuel systems, generators and power systems, and more. We’re not in this on our own, though. With a broad network of Cummins-authorized dealers in the home and small business power solution space, we count on our independent dealers and their local relationships. If you’re interested in becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, keep reading to find out the benefits and how to get started.

Does Cummins make Home Generators and Small Business generators?

Yes, Cummins offers generators that are sufficient for residential homes and small businesses, including:

  • 13-20 kW air cooled emergency standby generators
  • 25-150 kW liquid cooled emergency standby generators
  • 9,500-watt portable, dual fuel heavy duty generators
  • 2,500-4,500-watt portable, lightweight inverter generators
  • 300-1,000-watt portable lithium battery powered power stations

In the midst of severe weather, increased blackouts, and aging power grids, generators are becoming more and more important. Consider this: 83% of power outages were the result of weather-related incidents from 2000 to 2021.

When these outages occur during extreme temperatures, generators are critical to keeping homes and businesses comfortable, safe, and operational. Families won’t have to worry about losing their heat or everything inside their refrigerators. Businesses won’t have to worry about the potential financial impact that comes with an outage—which can be as much as $12,500 a day for a small business. 

All of these reasons are likely why search terms like “Cummins generator dealers near me” are so popular on Google and other search engines. Local people are consistently looking for the right generator solution. Cummins-authorized dealers can help ensure they have the power they need, no matter what.

What are the benefits of being a Cummins Generator Dealer for Home and Small Business?

Of course, if you’re thinking about becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, the fact that there’s a market isn’t the only perk. Here are eight more reasons why you should become a Cummins-authorized Home and Small Business generator dealer.

  1. You’ll be backed by the Cummins brand, a name that’s synonymous with support, reliability, and sustainability. Cummins generators are quality, trustworthy equipment that you and your customers can count on.
  2. You will receive state-of-the-start training. Cummins provides courses and the certification path required to become a Cummins-authorized partner and product expert. Our technical training and certifications provide knowledge on Cummins home generator service like installation, maintenance, and repair.
  3. You can connect to a robust network of Cummins resources. Our dealers have access to a world-class set of tools, including training, a dedicated account executive, an online portal, sales and training certifications, and so much more.
  4. You’ll receive “preferred parts” pricing. By becoming an authorized dealer, you’ll get the best parts pricing around so you can maximize your profits. You can also pass these savings on to your customers to ensure your pricing is competitive.
  5. You can capitalize on marketing support. Cummins regularly invests in brand-building and lead generating campaigns to drive customers to our dealers. 
  6. You have access to warranty claim submission. Warranties don’t have to be a hassle for you or your customers. As an authorized-service dealer, you can submit warranty claims on behalf of your customer to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
  7. You can join the ChannelOne Partner Rewards Program. This competitive rewards program helps you maximize your earning power.
  8. You can list your company on the Cummins Parts & Service Locator. The Cummins service locator makes it easy for local customers to connect with your business, and it increases your overall brand visibility.

How to become a Cummins Dealer: It’s easier than you think

Stop missing out on all of the local online traffic searching for “Cummins authorized dealer near me,” and bring great products to your community! It takes just four simple steps to get started.

  1. Complete the online “Become a Dealer” interest form. A regional Cummins Account Executive will contact you to start the discussion.
  2. Share additional information about your business, your experience, and why you’re interested in becoming a Cummins dealer.
  3. Fill out and return the necessary paperwork to be processed by the Cummins team.
  4. Complete your required product training and become a Cummins Home and Small Business Dealer.

At Cummins, our company is dedicated to providing great products and services to customers throughout the world. If you’re ready to join our world-class network, get started now.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

How do I calculate what size generator I need?

Customers talking to Cummins dealer

There are several great reasons why you might be considering a standby generator for your home or small business. In the event of a power outage (caused by severe weather, for example), having a standby generator helps ensure ongoing safety and comfort. And in the case of a business, the ability to reduce downtime and maintain operations is a significant advantage.

Standby generators—also known as permanent or whole-house generators—offer reliable and efficient backup power solutions for a wide range of applications. If you’re currently exploring your options, we imagine you have a few concerns. You’re probably looking for a generator that’s sold and serviced by a reputable company, and want to determine the right generator capacity for your needs.

In this article, we’re going to help you answer a key question: “What size generator do I need to run my house or small business in the event of a power outage?” Keep reading for an overview of how to find the perfect Cummins Inc. standby generator for your needs.

What is the rule for generator sizing?

When it comes to understanding generator sizing, one important rule to keep in mind is that the generator needs to be able to power everything requiring electricity, but it also needs to have additional capacity to account for various appliances’ starting wattage. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where your generator simply won’t cut it, potentially leaving your home or small business without the power it needs.

Next, we’ll cover a basic framework for calculating your power needs.

How to Calculate Standby Generator Size

Here’s a simple, three-step process for assessing your needs and priorities, understanding generator sizes, and finding what size generator is going to work best. 

Let’s take a look at what this process looks like.

Step 1: Understanding Generator Sizes

Here’s a basic formula for how to calculate standby generator size:

  1. First, create a list of everything in your home or small business that would need to be powered by the generator in case of an emergency. This should include anything that requires electricity and isn’t something you would want to go without should you lose power. It’s important to not only consider running wattage, but starting wattage as well—since most appliances will require a few seconds’ worth of extra wattage to get started. There are several online sources for determining appliances’ wattage requirements.
  2. Add together each item’s running watts. When in doubt, err on the side of overestimating wattage requirements since it’s much better to have a little more power available than is needed as opposed to having to adapt to a generator that lacks sufficient power.
  3. Then, to roughly account for starting wattage, add the single-highest starting watts figure to the total.
  4. To ensure a margin of safety—and to account for potential future needs—you should multiply that figure by at least 1.25. The resulting number is the minimum generator capacity you should consider.

You can also use our home generator sizing calculator to estimate your power needs.

Step 2: Assessing Your Needs

It’s important to understand your priorities. While getting the right size and type of generator that fits your budget are important, it’s also important to consider how you intend to use the generator.

  • Will it need to be capable of maintaining enough power for your home or small business in case of an emergency?
  • Do you envision having a permanently-installed generator, or is portability important?

How you answer these questions should help provide context for the next step: exploring generator sizing and zeroing in on the perfect product for your needs.

Step 3: Finding the Right Generator

In addition to the generator size calculator, our online buyer’s guide to home generators is a great starting point for exploring your options. Cummins offers three main types of standby generators suited for a home or small business:

  • Permanently-installed 13-20 kW air-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Permanently-installed 25-150 kW liquid-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Heavy-duty, gasoline- or propane-powered 9,500-watt dual fuel portable generators that can provide backup power for a home or small business. 

Cummins: Reliable and Affordable Standby Power Solutions

At Cummins, we build versatile, high-quality standby generators for homes and small businesses. Don’t let their quietness fool you—they’re powerful and reliable. 

When you’re ready to explore your options, you can reach out to request an on-site assessment. One of our authorized dealers will help you assess your needs, evaluate different generator types and capacities, and understand how much a generator might cost to have installed.

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc.

Cummins, a global power technology leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. The company’s products range from internal combustion, electric and hybrid integrated power solutions and components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, electric power generation systems, microgrid controls, batteries, electrolyzers and fuel cell products.

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