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

  • From managed asset to service provider: the future highway
    May 20, 2019
    Every day we hear about Mobility as a Service (MaaS), but what about Roads as a Service? Geoff Hadwick reports from the ERF in Brussels The familiar physical asset called the road will increasingly be seen as part of an emerging global services sector. Given that, the role of the road is changing, notes Christophe Nicodème, general director of the European Union Road Federation (ERF). We need to think much more carefully about planning highway infrastructure in terms of people’s needs, said Nicodème,
  • New wheeled loaders from Case
    February 14, 2012
    CASE CONSTRUCTION Equipment introduces three new F Series wheeled loaders to European customers. The 721F (operating weight 14,929kg), the 821F (17,633kg) and the 921F (19,857kg) are said to offer faster acceleration, reduced cycle times, higher travel speeds and increased productivity, yet boast up to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption. The F Series loaders are powered by Tier 4 interim diesel engines, with improved programmable power modes. An optional five-speed transmission further boosts fuel
  • Caterpillar Machines will be Built in China
    October 16, 2013
    Caterpillar is focussing on developing solutions for key markets with machine designed specifically for China and built in its Chinese manufacturing operations. The new Caterpillar machines being introduced at BICES include the M
  • Power and versatile compressors from Doosan
    December 18, 2014
    The line-up now includes a full range of compressed air applications for construction, rental, utilities and quarrying sectors, with free air deliveries from 5-42.5m3/min at output pressures from 7-35bar. As well as a wide selection of Tier 3 High Ambient models, the range also includes several Tier 1 or Tier 2 engine-powered models well suited to the local fuel quality levels. Among the smallest Tier 2 models is the popular C185WKUB-EX-T2 compressor with a compact design, easy towability and transportatio