Cummins, Daimler Truck and Paccar name Kel Kearns CEO of Amplify Cell JV

Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emissions business unit of Cummins (CMI), Daimler Trucks & Buses, a Daimler Truck (DTRUY) company and Paccar (PCAR) have completed the formation of their joint venture, or JV, now known as Amplify Cell Technologies, to localize battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the United States. This strategic collaboration will advance zero-emissions technology for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications. Amplify will soon begin construction of a 21-gigawatt hour, or GWh, factory in Marshall County, Mississippi, with potential for further expansion as demand grows. The factory is expected to create more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs and is targeting the start of production in 2027. Amplify Cell Technologies has named Kel Kearns as the new CEO. Kearns will lead Amplify in producing differentiated lithium-iron-phosphate battery cells that create value for commercial vehicle customers in North America. Kearns’ career spans several decades holding various roles in automotive and manufacturing industries, with his most recent responsibility focused on large-scale electric vehicle manufacturing. Accelera, Daimler Truck and Paccar each own 30% of the business. EVE Energy serves as the technology partner with 10% ownership and contributes its battery cell design and manufacturing expertise to the venture.