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

  • Engine manufacturers meeting emissions deadlines
    February 10, 2012
    Engine manufacturers have had to jump through regulatory hoops in recent years, meeting requirements for diesels with ever cleaner exhaust emissions. When this programme was first proposed, many believed the final aims could not be achieved. However on January 1st 2011, the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations will come into force in North America and Europe and all the major diesel manufacturers will have suitable products at the ready. The Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions regulations require
  • New driveline developments boost machine efficiency
    April 24, 2013
    Advances in transmission technology will help to optimise machine performance – writes Mike Woof. As construction machines have become more sophisticated, so have the transmission systems used in items of equipment. Advances in electronics and software in particular have allowed the development of integrated transmissions. These operate more efficiently and help optimise power delivery from an engine, boosting torque response and cutting fuel consumption and emissions at the same time. The smart electronics
  • Cummins unveils two new engines for the Chinese market
    November 26, 2014
    Cummins unveiled two new engines at bauma in Shanghai. Both the QSF3.8 and QSB7 are primarily for the Chinese market and are Tier 3 compliant. “They are optimised for excavator products and for Chinese OEM manufacturers” said Jonathon White Executive Director of Off Highways at Cummins. The QSF3.8 is a 3.8litre 4 cylinder diesel unit delivering 74-104kW of power with peak torque of 540Nm. Manufactured by Cummins Beijing plant it utilises a common rail high pressure fuel system. It is designed to power 10