Power Onward - podcast cover

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.
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Episodes

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, a...

May 06, 202619 minEp. 27

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, starti...

Apr 16, 202611 minEp. 26

Season 3: Power moves the world forward

The heartbeat of our modern world is fueled by a constant need for reliable energy. While the machinery is impressive, the true narrative lies in the human ingenuity and collaborative spirit that turn these technical systems into tools for global advancement. In this third season of Power Onward, Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey invites you to look behind the scenes of the technologies and strategic alliances defining the next era of energy. As we navigate an energy transition that is both ...

Mar 27, 20261 minEp. 25

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 da...

Dec 03, 202511 minEp. 24

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 f...

Nov 05, 202521 minEp. 23

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...

Oct 29, 202520 minEp. 22

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 insigh...

Oct 22, 202523 minEp. 21

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 batter...

Oct 15, 202522 minEp. 20

10 seconds to save a life

Power isn’t just critical, it’s lifesaving. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Nick about the invisible lifelines inside hospitals—the backup power systems that activate in under 10 seconds to keep surgeries going, medications stable, and life-saving tech running. Nick explains how Cummins is uniquely positioned to serve healthcare providers thanks to decades of experience, end-to-end system design, and an unwavering focus on innovation. From diesel reliability to the future of micr...

Oct 08, 202520 minEp. 19

Making space for planet and profit

When it comes to power technology, the future is shaped by the decisions we make today. In this episode, Kim sits down with Tara to explore what sustainability really means for Cummins and why it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a strategy. A mindset. A movement. Together, they unpack Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy, circular economy principles, and the role design plays in building a healthier planet. With honesty and energy, Tara shares how Cummins is simplifying sustainability for its people a...

Oct 01, 202522 minEp. 18

Power that pollinates

Not every engineer starts with a textbook. Some start with a wrench. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Taylor about what it means to build a career from hands-on experience. Taylor shares how she went from managing an oil change shop to leading a 25-person test engineering team at Cummins. Through stories from the garage to the test cell, she shows how confidence and capability grow when curiosity leads the way. Hear how Taylor’s real-world perspective shapes how Cummins validates ...

Sep 24, 202519 minEp. 17

Gen Z’s impact on Cummins

What’s it like being an intern at Cummins? Here’s a hint: it’s not about coffee runs or simply note-taking. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Josie and Mason from the Global Brand Team to talk about the real work, impact and growth that happens when young talent gets a seat at the table. From leading global calls to updating websites and creating brand content, these two aren’t just observing—they’re helping shape what’s next. You’ll hear everything from global collaboration st...

Sep 17, 202518 minEp. 16

Beyond your average household battery

Batteries do more than store energy. They’re reshaping how the world is powered. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Aaron to discuss the role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the global energy transition. From commercial buildings to remote islands, Aaron explains how this all-in-one technology brings cleaner, smarter power wherever it’s needed. Learn how large-scale batteries go beyond backup to become the brains of entire energy systems, and why Cummins’ latest inno...

Sep 10, 202512 minEp. 15

B.Y.O.V. (Build Your Own Vehicle)

Picture a future where building a zero-emissions vehicle feels as simple as snapping together LEGO bricks. That’s the mindset Accelera by Cummins is bringing to clean energy, offering flexible solutions that meet customers wherever they are in their transition to smarter, cleaner power. In this episode, Kim and Kat get hands-on with the idea of building electric power systems like DIY kits. From batteries and motors to inverters, they break down how Accelera helps reconfigure powertrains for a c...

Sep 03, 202514 minEp. 14

READY™ to shape the future

Behind every powerful engine is a company powered by purpose. In this episode of Power Onward, Kim is joined by Jim to explore how Cummins shows up in communities around the world. From its legacy of civil rights advocacy to its forward-thinking Cummins READY™ education strategy, Jim shares how Cummins connects innovation with impact. Discover how aligning company goals with community needs creates lasting value, and why education, equity and the environment are part of Cummins’ DNA. In this epi...

Aug 27, 202514 minEp. 15

Worker bees & engines

Engines and bees may not seem alike at first, but for Matt, they both represent systems built on precision, purpose, and connection. We often overlook what powers our everyday lives, but behind the scenes are people like Matt who troubleshoot, innovate, and uphold the reliability that keeps industries running. At Cummins, that sense of purpose is passed down through generations, shaping not just careers but the way communities grow and thrive. From early memories of punch cards to supporting fle...

May 28, 202530 minEp. 12

Honoring the legacy of Cummins and the Indy 500

There is something timeless about the roar of engines and the spirit of a community coming together for a legendary race. Each year, the Indy 500 brings the energy of Indianapolis to life, and behind the scenes, Cummins plays an important role in weaving history, innovation, and community into the experience for guests and race fans alike. Kim and Maggie walk through how Cummins’ rich legacy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to be honored today, from historic race cars to personalized...

May 20, 202516 minEp. 11

Pouring power into the future of construction

Curiosity sparks when you take a second look at the machines shaping the world around you. We live in a world where construction shapes the spaces we move through every day, yet we rarely stop to think about the machines and people that make it all possible. Cummins engines are at the heart of these projects, supporting industries that build homes, roads, and communities for the future. From the curiosity sparked in a child to the expertise behind massive construction sites, Kim and Sarah explor...

May 14, 202513 minEp. 10

Service, the backbone of power technology

Behind every reliable power solution is a team of experts who ensure it all runs smoothly. We live in a world where we strive to have every piece of machinery working seamlessly, and that’s the reality Cummins’ service teams create by ensuring the reliability and longevity of power solutions across the globe. From proactive maintenance to personalized support, Kim and Claudia explore how Cummins helps customers across various industries, ensuring they can rely on their power systems every day. I...

May 07, 202513 minEp. 9

Helping farmers grow with innovation

A small cherry farm in Michigan becomes the backdrop for a story about innovation, resilience, and legacy. While the pressures of modern agriculture continue to grow, one family farmer finds a way to move forward without letting go of what came before. In this episode, Kim sits down with Haley to talk about the real people behind rural farming. They reflect on the challenges facing small farms today, what it means to innovate without new machinery, and how storytelling helps connect everyday pow...

Apr 30, 202521 minEp. 8

The ingredients powering your vehicle

Ingredients aren't just for cooking—they're for powertrains, too. Imagine the perfect blend of components coming together to create not just a vehicle, but a cleaner planet. In this episode, we talk about how each component, from turbochargers to emission solutions, plays a pivotal role in this narrative of innovation. From engine braking to integrated powertrains, discover how these pieces contribute to reducing emissions and improving air quality for a sustainable future. In this episode, you’...

Apr 23, 202510 minEp. 7

Barbie Dreamhouse? More like Powerhouse

Barbie’s dreamhouse isn’t just pink, it could be green, too. Imagine a world where clean energy powers everything, from electric cars to entire cities. That future isn’t as far away as it seems, and Accelera by Cummins is leading the charge. In this episode, Kim and Kat explain how hydrogen, electrolyzers, and next-gen batteries are reshaping how we think about energy. They explore the biggest challenges in moving toward zero emissions and how Accelera’s connection to Cummins gives it an edge in...

Mar 19, 202512 minEp. 6

The truth behind the cloud

The cloud isn’t floating in the sky. It’s a massive network of data centers storing and processing everything we do online. From streaming music to running AI, it all relies on an unseen infrastructure powered by enormous amounts of energy. In this episode, Alijah and Kim uncover the reality of the cloud. They explore how data centers operate, why backup power is critical, and the role Cummins plays in keeping digital life seamless even when the grid goes down. In this episode, you’ll learn: The...

Mar 19, 202511 minEp. 5

The real driving force behind trucking

The food we buy, the goods we use, the products we rely on, none of it just appears. Behind every shipment, every truck on the road, and every delivery is a network of people making it happen. In this episode, Kim chats with Sydney to talk about the human side of trucking. They explore how truck drivers, engineers, and logistics experts work together to keep the world moving, why sustainability and reliability matter in the industry, and the role Cummins plays in powering everything from big rig...

Mar 19, 202519 minEp. 4

The real MVP of sports

When the game is on the line, every second counts. But what happens when the lights go out? From towering scoreboards to seamless mobile payments, power is the unsung hero of every stadium experience. Without it, the action stops, and the fan experience crumbles. In this episode, Kim and Alijah break down the role of power in live sports. They explore how massive venues stay operational, why energy failures can cost millions, and how innovations like microgrids are changing the game. Plus, they ...

Mar 19, 20257 minEp. 3

The hidden power of live events

Concerts are all about the music, the energy, and the experience. But what about everything that makes the show possible? From tour buses to massive stage setups, there’s an entire unseen world behind live events. In this episode, Kim and Drew explore how concerts are powered in ways most people never notice. From engines moving artists and equipment to generators keeping the lights and sound alive, they uncover the surprising role Cummins plays in making unforgettable experiences happen. In thi...

Mar 19, 202513 minEp. 2

If you could burn it, it could run

The idea of alternative fuels might seem new, but history tells a different story. What seems like a modern invention has actually been around for over a century. In this episode, Kim sits down with Lori, a historian and archivist, to uncover the history of alternative fuels. They explore how early engines could run on just about anything, why diesel technology changed the game, and what bulletproof coffee and early engines had in common. In this episode, you’ll learn: How early engines ran on e...

Mar 19, 202513 minEp. 1

This is Power Onward

How does streaming tv, music, and audio get from the cloud to your phone? And did you know the cloud is really a bunch of buildings whose combined surface area is the size of San Francisco? This is Power Onward, 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 miss...

Feb 24, 20251 min
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