Why our new tier-based EV battery changes the game for commercial electric vehicles

With extensive experience in battery design and integration for commercial electric vehicles and partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) worldwide, Accelera™ by Cummins introduces the BP104E battery platform – a solution designed to address the needs of the commercial transportation industry.

From school buses and transit buses to medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, transitioning to cleaner power presents unique challenges for the industry. OEMs and fleet owners need a zero-emissions solution that’s affordable, decarbonizes their vehicles and delivers reliable power. 

The BP104E offers a modular and scalable design that adapts to specific requirements, enhancing vehicle performance with increased energy density and payload capacity, and ensuring long-term durability with advanced thermal management.

Explore how the BP104E can support the transportation industry’s transition to zero-emission vehicles, reduce the total cost of ownership, and meet operational needs.
 

Features and benefits of the Accelera BP104E:

1. Modular-scalable design for versatile configurations
2. Increased energy density and payload
3. Long-life durability with thermal management
4. Flexibility in integration
5. Built-in safety and durability
6. Cost-effective and low-maintenance
   
    

Modular-scalable design for versatile configurations

The BP104E is modular and scalable, allowing for a variety of configurations for vehicle integration. This battery can be adapted to suit different applications, from school and transit buses to medium and heavy-duty trucks. The platform features a tiered system called 1T, 2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T configurations. This tiered design with varying sizes means you can stack the battery packs to meet your vehicle’s specific needs, whether it’s space optimization or increased energy capacity.

• Versatile configurations: Single and double-tier packs can be mounted under ultra-low floor buses and other areas where space is limited. The 3T, 4T, and 5T configurations are ideal for larger vehicles like medium and heavy-duty trucks.
• Compatibility: All BP104E battery form factors 2T and higher operate using the same maximum voltage and are compatible with each other. The 1T pack is a half-voltage unit. This flexibility allows OEMs to mix and match tiers to meet their fleets' specific energy and space requirements.

Increased energy density and payload

Regarding energy density, the BP104E stands out as a next-generation LFP and delivers a significant improvement over past LFP technology. The result? More energy in a smaller and lighter package.

• Enhanced vehicle performance: With more energy packed into a lighter unit, and the ability to integrate multiple units into a single vehicle, vehicles equipped with the BP104E can achieve longer ranges and increased payload capacity. This means fewer stops for recharging and more goods or passengers transported on each trip.

Long-life durability with thermal management

At Accelera, product longevity is a top priority. The BP104E is built on the back of our extensive experience designing battery solutions for a range of duty cycles, from light to heavy, as well as on- and off-highway applications. The advanced cell technology used in the BP104E ensures a longer lifecycle, reducing the need for battery replacements.

• Thermal management system (TMS): A key factor in the long life of the BP104E is its built-in thermal management system. This system regulates the battery’s temperature to keep it operating within optimal conditions, extending the battery’s life and enhancing safety. Whether operating in extreme heat or cold, the TMS ensures that the BP104E maintains consistent performance, preventing uneven aging of the cells that could reduce the pack's life.

Flexibility in integration

The BP104E’s modular design offers a high degree of flexibility in vehicle integration. This is especially important for OEMs dealing with unique vehicle shapes and sizes. The BP104E’s tiered system can be customized to fit within those constraints.

• Adaptability: This level of adaptability makes it easier for OEMs to adopt zero-emission battery solutions for vehicles that may otherwise struggle with battery integration due to size or space restrictions. By selecting the configuration to match the vehicle’s energy and packaging requirements, OEMs can be confident that each vehicle design is optimized for its specific use case.

Built-in safety and durability

Safety is essential for EV batteries, particularly in commercial applications where accident risk tolerance is low. The BP104E has undergone rigorous internal and external testing to ensure that it meets the durability requirements of our OEM partners. From the structural casing to the cells within, the BP104E is built to withstand the tough demands of commercial transportation.

• Advanced TMS: Our advanced TMS also helps maintain battery safety. By keeping the cells within their optimal temperature range, the system is designed to ensure that the battery remains safe and operational for the long haul.

Cost-effective and low-maintenance

Cost is one of the biggest drivers for OEMs considering the shift to electric vehicles. It’s not as simple as removing a diesel engine and putting a commercial vehicle battery in its place. OEMs need to consider the battery cost and the cost of integrating electric powertrains into their fleets. While these upfront costs tend to be more expensive than traditional diesel engines, cost savings for fuel and reduced regular maintenance requirements for electric vehicles provide a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) over the vehicle’s lifespan.

• Lower TCO: Battery electric vehicles don’t require fuel and generally require less maintenance than conventional vehicles. This is due to the minimal maintenance needs of the battery, motor, and electronics, fewer fluids like engine oil, reduced brake wear from regenerative braking, and a significantly lower number of moving parts than a conventional fuel engine.
• Incentives and grants: Funding for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure is essential to accelerate their adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, government incentives, private investments and public grants are available to make electric vehicles more affordable. These case studies provide insight into how Orange Unified School District  and West Grand School District were able to stack funding to pay for their electric school buses.

Powering the future of commercial transportation

The BP104E is designed with the future of commercial transportation in mind. As commercial fleets continue to shift toward zero-emission vehicles, the BP104E is poised to be a leading solution for companies looking for a cost-effective, durable, and flexible battery platform.

From school buses to long-haul trucks, the BP104E battery platform is a reliable, long-lasting power solution that adapts to each vehicle's unique needs. With its advanced energy density, thermal management, and modular design, the BP104E sets new commercial EV battery standards.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discover how the BP104E platform can transform your fleet and drive your business towards a sustainable future.