Power Onward

Cummins

Power Onward is the podcast that unveils how power technology shapes your everyday life. From the tech powering your daily life to the innovations driving industries forward, we talk about it all. Brought to you by Cummins, each episode explores what’s fueling the future and why it matters for your mission, business, and community.

  1. Rising to the challenge with the 2027 X15

    4H AGO

    Rising to the challenge with the 2027 X15

    Heavy-duty engines are no strangers to hard work. Every mile, every load, every job depends on performance that holds up in the real world. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Adam Whitney, GM Regional Fleet Sales, North America, and Brad Sutton, Executive Director, Powertrain Engineering, to look at what keeps fleets moving and why the X15 continues to earn its place on the road. The conversation moves beyond the engine itself into the full powertrain, where integration, data, and real-time insight shape how trucks perform day to day. Adam shares what customers ask for when they spec a truck and why uptime, fuel efficiency, and total cost of ownership still define success. Brad explains how powertrain integration pushes performance further, from fuel savings to driver safety, and how data is changing the way fleets plan, maintain, and operate. This episode shows how Cummins supports customers across the full lifecycle, from initial spec to long-term optimization. These efforts help fleets move everything from food to fashion — keeping shelves stocked and supply chains flowing. In this episode, you’ll learn: How predictive diagnostics help fleets plan maintenance before issues disrupt operationsWhy full powertrain integration can unlock measurable gains beyond engine limitsHow data insights guide fleets to operate equipment more efficiently and safely Additional Resources: Rising to the challenge: Cummins 2027 X15Exploring Cummins X15The X15 Legacy: 25 years of innovationCummins takes Forever Rising Tour nationwide after strong customer responseGetting more with less: 2027 Cummins Connected SolutionsCummins EnginesVideos: Cummins 2027 X15 engine walkaroundForever Rising: The 2027 X15Forever Rising Tour | Nashville, TNForever Rising Tour | Louisville, KYForever Rising Tour | Atlanta, GA Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (00:13) Why performance matters in real-world operations (01:20) What makes the X15 a trusted platform over time (02:40) What fleets look for when specing a truck (05:00) How predictive diagnostics is changing uptime (06:05) Thinking beyond the engine to full powertrain integration (08:08) Hidden advantages customers may not consider (09:40) How partnership supports fleets across the lifecycle (10:40) Turning data into uptime and cost savings (12:20) Moving from reactive fixes to predictive maintenance (14:40) Helping customers operate equipment more effectively (15:00) What the next generation of powertrain will bring (16:21) Lightning round (17:13) Big idea for this episode

    19 min
  2. When dependability responds

    APR 16

    When dependability responds

    When firefighters respond, there is no room for hesitation. The equipment behind them has to perform without fail. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Chris to explore the powertrain technology behind fire and emergency vehicles. From engines designed for extreme duty cycles to braking systems that bring massive vehicles to a stop, the conversation looks at what keeps these trucks ready at all times. Chris shares how Cummins has supported fire service for nearly a century, starting with one of the first diesel-powered fire trucks and continuing with modern innovations that improve performance, maintenance, and emissions. The discussion also highlights how these vehicles operate as mobile power systems, supporting far more than just transport. Hear how Cummins designs for reliability, supports customers through a strong service network, and continues to improve performance through data, connectivity, and new engine platforms. In this episode, you’ll learn: How fire trucks operate as multi-function power systems beyond transportWhy reliability and braking performance are critical in emergency responseHow connected technology helps keep vehicles in service and ready Additional Resources: Cummins: Fire and emergencyCummins 2027 X15 SeriesCummins X10Cummins presents new X10 to more than 36,000 fire, rescue service at FDICCummins brings disc brakes for single rear-drive axles at FDIC International 2026 | Cummins Inc.Truck Equipment Manufacturers and Body BuildersFire Pump Drive FAQsInterested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (00:10) Why fire response depends on reliable equipment (00:41) Cummins' history in fire service applications (01:20) What made early diesel fire trucks a step forward (02:00) Why fire trucks act as mobile power systems (03:01) Understanding real-world duty cycles (03:20) Key components that support emergency performance (04:24) New innovations in braking and maintenance (05:05) Meeting stricter emissions with new engine designs (07:00) Support network and connected diagnostics (09:00) What the future of fire apparatus looks like

    11 min
  3. Technology meets purpose

    12/03/2025

    Technology meets purpose

    Powering paradise comes with significant responsibilities. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Sherif about how battery energy storage systems (BESS) are changing the way Australia and the Asia Pacific region keep the lights on. From rooftop solar in suburban neighborhoods to remote islands, luxury resorts, and fast-growing data centers, Sherif shares how smarter storage is making energy cleaner, more reliable, and more cost-effective. In this episode, you’ll learn: How BESS turns daytime solar into evening power for homes, schools, and councilsHow hybrid systems can cut diesel fuel use dramatically in remote and island communitiesWhy data centers now look at BESS as part of core energy strategy, not just backup Additional Resources: Cummins MicrogridsCummins BESS webpage Why battery storage is now essential to microgrid developmentKey tips to help understand battery energy storage systemsPower Onward podcast: Beyond your average household batteryWhat are battery energy storage systems?How BESS is driving grid stability, supporting renewables, and accelerating the Middle East region’s clean energy goals Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (01:22) How BESS shows up across APAC (02:33) Energy shifting 101 (04:04) Pairing diesel, solar, and BESS to cut fuel use in remote locations (05:01) A Pacific Island project that unlocks energy independence and steadier power (05:53) How islands are using renewable microgrids as a differentiator (07:06) Data centers, AI, and why batteries now support the digital world (08:16) Where BESS is headed next in APAC (08:54) The human impact behind the tech

    11 min
  4. From trash to torque

    11/05/2025

    From trash to torque

    What if the stuff we throw away could keep trucks moving? In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Dave to talk about renewable natural gas, aka RNG, and how it turns things like landfill trash, cow manure, and food waste into clean, usable fuel. They break down what RNG actually is, how it’s made, and why more fleets are already using it. They also explore what makes the Cummins X15N engine a game changer, how RNG stacks up against diesel, and how cow waste fits into a surprisingly full-circle clean energy story. In this episode, you’ll learn: How RNG’s carbon intensity can go below zeroWhy dairy farms are key players in clean fuelWhat drivers are saying about switching to RNG engines Articles Natural gas readinessX15N Engine | Cummins Inc.How to transition your fleet to natural gas enginesReducing your company’s Scope 3 Emissions with RNGThe legacy of a “King” ft. David J. King Additional Resources: RNG Coalition InfographicBioTown AgThe Transport ProjectClean Energy FuelsRNG Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (00:33) What RNG is and how it’s made (02:11) From waste to pipeline-ready fuel (03:37) Where RNG fits into commercial fleets (04:15) How RNG helps fleets cut emissions and costs (05:15) Why RNG can be carbon-negative (06:48) California’s RNG adoption and what it shows (08:34) A full-circle dairy farm story (12:02) The X15N engine’s first year in action (17:49) What drivers say about RNG behind the wheel

    21 min
  5. Keeping the cloud and planet online

    10/29/2025

    Keeping the cloud and planet online

    How do we keep AI running when the grid starts to strain? Bhargava joins Kim to explore the pressure data centers are placing on global power systems. He explains what’s changing in energy demand, why data center operators are bringing their own power, and how Cummins is stepping in with more sustainable solutions. Through examples such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and advanced generators, Bhargava shares how technology is adapting to keep up with AI’s around-the-clock needs. He also explains the misconception that reliability and sustainability are at odds, when in fact, they work better together. This episode pulls back the curtain on the invisible systems powering our digital lives. In this episode, you’ll learn: How data centers are shifting energy strategies to meet AI’s nonstop power demandsWhy grid constraints are fueling innovation in on-site energyWhat Cummins is doing to help keep AI online and emissions downAdditional resources Global reach, local support for data center powerFirst Down: meet the Gridiron Greats of power systemsPowering sustainable data centersThree Emerging Trends in data center sustainabilityEvolution of DC Onsite Power Use Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (00:26) How data centers silently power your digital life (01:31) Cummins’ role in keeping AI engines always on (02:57) What 36 gigawatts of energy demand means (04:19) Why AI growth is reshaping energy infrastructure (06:29) Grid constraints explained through real-world examples (10:37) Breaking down reliability and sustainability pressures (13:30) What Tier 4 and BESS mean for emissions (15:50) How Cummins keeps your AI running smoothly (17:34) Cummins’ bold roadmap for powering the AI future

    20 min
  6. If you can’t grow it, you have to mine it

    10/22/2025

    If you can’t grow it, you have to mine it

    What connects the trucks in remote mines to the phones in our pockets? Guilherme shows Kim how copper, iron, and other essential minerals fuel not only machinery but also the digital world we live in. From electric vehicles to data centers, mining plays a central role in the systems we rely on every day. He shares what it’s like to stand beside a 400-ton truck, how massive mine sites operate like cities, and why copper remains critical to AI expansion. With firsthand stories from Peru and insights from his time at Cummins, Guilherme brings the mining industry into focus. This conversation reveals how power begins long before the plug and how Cummins is contributes from the ground up. In this episode, you’ll learn: How haul trucks and excavators move hundreds of tons in a single load.What it takes to power mine sites located far from the grid.Why mining is opening more doors for women across the industry. Additional Resources Pit to port: An interactive experienceMilestone in assemblyCummins, Vale, and Komatsu advance joint dual fuel program to develop large truck engine powered by both ethanol and dieselPower with purpose: How the QSK95 is redefining ultra-class mining productivityCummins and Komatsu to collaborate on joint mining hybrid development plan Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (01:15) Why the mining image in your head is outdated (02:13) The childhood toy that sparked a mining career (03:37) How mining connects to everything we use daily (04:13) How big are haul trucks, really? (08:08) How Cummins supports both mining and data centers (10:09) A haul truck built entirely by women (11:16) What’s next for cleaner mining technology (13:05) How off-grid mine sites stay powered with Cummins (15:52) Visualizing the QSK95 engine (17:27) Life on a 10-days-in, 10-days-out schedule (19:40) What 190 gallons of fuel per hour looks like (20:21) How one engine contains 16 RAM truck engines

    23 min
  7. Power to see the beauty within

    10/15/2025

    Power to see the beauty within

    What does power mean when the grid isn’t guaranteed?  Tanya joins Kim from Johannesburg to discuss how Cummins is supporting communities across Africa and the Middle East. Their efforts span hospitals, telecom towers, data centers, and homes, providing innovative and reliable energy solutions. With a background in design and a passion for people, Tanya brings a fresh perspective to power technology. She highlights the beauty found in even the smallest engine components, the significance of battery energy storage systems, and how Cummins empowers individuals to shape their own careers. This episode serves as a reminder that when power and purpose intersect, the possibilities are endless. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why power reliability is critical in regions like Africa and the Middle East—and how Cummins is meeting that need.How creativity, not just engineering, has a place in shaping the future of power.Why believing in yourself is the first step to making a real impact at Cummins. Additional Resources Valuing the power of differenceThe Keeper. The Preserver. The Archivist.The delicate art of designing for the futureFrom Capitol Hill to clean energyThe DNA of an engineer Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe   Dive into the conversation: (00:00) This is Power Onward (00:33) Tanya shares how engine parts became works of art (02:47) From design agency to Cummins creative (05:01) The power of storytelling through visuals and campaigns (06:22) Why creativity belongs in a technical world (07:57) Tanya explains the energy challenges across her region (09:40) Battery energy storage systems making a real impact (11:10) Her superpower is spotting strengths in others (14:46) Navigating languages, cultures, and currencies (17:38) Cummins is chosen for product strength and people commitment (19:54) Tanya’s message to employees: trust your value and speak up

    22 min

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About

Power Onward is the podcast that unveils how power technology shapes your everyday life. From the tech powering your daily life to the innovations driving industries forward, we talk about it all. Brought to you by Cummins, each episode explores what’s fueling the future and why it matters for your mission, business, and community.

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