Skip to main content

Cummins offering electric powertrain for off-highway

Cummins is developing an all-electric powertrain for use in off-highway applications. This move follows the firm’s acquisition of the electric drive specialist Brammo. The system is designed to suit applications such as urban or underground duties, where it is necessary to minimise engine emissions. The package combines battery power with a compact diesel engine, linked directly to a generator. This offers a range-extended vehicle driveline (REEV). The prototype being unveiled utilises a 4litre F3.8 diesel
April 10, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Cummins is now offering an electric powertrain innovation

196 Cummins is developing an all-electric powertrain for use in off-highway applications. This move follows the firm’s acquisition of the electric drive specialist Brammo. The system is designed to suit applications such as urban or underground duties, where it is necessary to minimise engine emissions. The package combines battery power with a compact diesel engine, linked directly to a generator. This offers a range-extended vehicle driveline (REEV). The prototype being unveiled utilises a 4litre F3.8 diesel that meets the Stage V emissions requirements for Europe.

This power package is intended to take the place of diesels with capacities of up to 9litres, for use in a wide range of construction machine installations, including wheeled loaders, excavators and mobile cranes. The diesel is linked to the generator, powering the high output motor with its continuous torque output of up to 1,850Nm. The system offers a peak torque output of 3,400Nm, for short term delivery however. The engine and generator automatically charge the battery pack as required, while the system also has a plug-in option for overnight recharging.

As the system is modular it could be scaled up or down in size to suit different applications. The firm says that the high-density battery pack and engine can also be sized to suit the installation space available. A spokesperson for the firm explained, “It gives the best solution for a wide range of drivelines. It’s flexible for different duty cycles as you can vary the battery size. It will go into production first for the bus market.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Yanmar extends its engine line up to 155kW
    March 12, 2018
    Yanmar says it is launching its most impressive line-up development for 20 years, with two brand new engine families. The 4TN101 is a 3.8litre displacement engine, which lines up in the 55-105kW power range with torque up to 550Nm, while the 4TN107 has a 4.6litre displacement with power ratings ranging from 90-155kW and torque exceeding 805Nm. Both engines feature a Common Rail injection system, full authority electronics and after-cooled turbocharging (with a two-stage turbo on the 4TN107 upper ratings).
  • Scotland to trial an all-electric road gritter unit from Bucher
    November 15, 2019
    Transport for Scotland will be trialling an all-electric gritter unit from Swiss company Bucher Municipal along the Forth Bridges this winter. The Electra 100% Electric Gritter: SEIV 19 – 350 is a version of Bucher’s Phoenix Electra in which a 48V electrical system replaces the usual hydraulic systems. It is powered by a lithium battery and brushless motors with dedicated and integrated inverter. Bucher says that the set-up avoids power losses and allows independent and proportional energy absorptions and
  • Improved excavators and wheeled loaders coming to market
    October 2, 2014
    Manufacturers of excavators and wheeled loaders continue to roll out new models aimed at specific markets - Mike Woof writes With tough emissions controls now in place in Europe and North America, manufacturers have developed an array of advanced solutions to meet requirements, while also developing parallel models for sale in other territories. In the earthmoving sector the latest round of requirements in Europe and North America has resulted in a flurry of new, low emission models equipped with Tier 4
  • Innovations in plant development
    September 19, 2024
    Several of the major manufacturers are offering key innovations for the asphalt plant segment – Mike Woof writes