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

  • New low emission engines benefit from technology
    January 16, 2020
    The latest generation of low emission diesel engines are benefiting from key technology advances, while other power options are also being explored - Mike Woof writes
    Read More
  • Emissions legislation update
    July 20, 2012
    World events are driving the new focus on fuel economy for diesel engine development Spiralling fuel prices have put a new spin on technological developments in the engine and driveline sector. Recent legislation has been pushing manufacturers to develop cleaner running engines that are quieter and offer drastic reductions in exhaust emissions. For the engine and driveline manufacturers, research and development aimed at reducing engine fuel consumption is in hand but the market conditions have placed fresh
    Read More
  • Earthmoving machine advances
    June 10, 2019
    One of the most competitive segments of the off-highway equipment sector, it is no surprise that earthmoving machinery is seeing a wide array of new models coming to market - Mike Woof writes Competition is tough in the market for earthmoving equipment. Manufacturers from Europe, the US, Japan, Korea and China are all vying for increased market share across the globe. Firms are developing new models and widening product lines, with a wide range of excavator, wheeled loader, dozer, grader and soil compact
    Read More
  • New drive developments for the market
    November 14, 2016
    In recent years developments in engine technology have played a key role with regard to improved machine performance. Diesel engine makers have had to meet a challenging schedule in terms of delivering new low emission engine technology and meet tough regulatory requirements for the US and Europe. Along with the cleaner emissions have come improved fuel economy and increased power density, allowing customers to meet the power needs of their machines with smaller and more economical engines. At the same time
    Read More

Highlighted Content