Efficient Drivetrains

About Efficient Drivetrains

Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI), established in 2006, specialized in the development and production of high-efficiency powertrains for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and fully Electric Vehicles (EV). The company was co-founded by Joerg Ferchau, who served as CEO, and Dr. Andrew Frank, a professor at the University of California, Davis, who is widely recognized as the father of the modern plug-in hybrid. Dr. Frank's extensive research, dating back to the 1970s, and his work on vehicle concepts that achieved record-breaking mileage, formed the technological bedrock of the company. EDI secured an exclusive license for UC Davis's patent portfolio related to hybrid vehicles, which was a significant asset.

EDI's business model focused on providing vehicle Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), modifiers, and suppliers with the core components needed to electrify commercial vehicles. The company engineered, designed, and produced advanced drivetrain systems, vehicle control software (EDI PowerSuite), and power export solutions for a global client base that included markets in the U.S. and China. Its flagship product line, the EDI PowerDrive™ series, was a versatile hybrid system capable of switching in real-time between fully electric, series, and parallel modes. These powertrains were designed for light, medium, and heavy-duty applications such as step vans, work trucks, and passenger shuttles. By offering electrification kits and comprehensive engineering support services, EDI enabled its customers to more rapidly bring electrified vehicles to market.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Cummins Inc. in July 2018. This event was a strategic move for Cummins to bolster its position as a global leader in electrified power. At the time of the acquisition, EDI's drivetrains had been utilized in fleets for over six million miles. The integration with Cummins provided EDI the resources of an established industry leader, enhancing its ability to support high-volume mass production for vehicle OEMs and fleets.