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

  • Volvo Penta’s latest generation diesels meet low emissions targets
    March 7, 2018
    Volvo Penta has a full line-up of diesel engines for the 5, 8, 11, 13 and 16litre capacity range. These are available in low emissions, Stage V compliant variants. For the 5, 8 and 11 litre engines, particulate filters and SCR systems are used in the emissions control package to meet the stage V requirements. Meanwhile the 13 and 16litre engines feature an SCR system that is integrated with the particulate filter. Passive regeneration is used for the particulate filters, so there is no need to stop a machin
  • Aggregate machinery makers raise the efficiency bar
    May 22, 2018
    Manufacturers of crushers and screens are making their equipment more efficient as well as quieter. Among new entrants into the jaw crusher market is the MC 120 Pro, from Writgen company Kleemann. It was launched last September at the industry trade fair in Homberg/Nieder-Ofleiden, Germany. Both the diesel-electric jaw crusher – operating as part of an interlinked machine combination additionally comprising the MCO 11 PRO cone crusher and MS 953 EVO screening plant – and the MBRG 2000 granulator showed off
  • Latest earthmoving machines noticeably quieter
    February 20, 2012
    One of the most strikingly apparent features of the new Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB rated construction machines is the noise, or rather the lack of it. With engines running at usual operating speed, these emissions compliant machines are noticeably quieter.
  • Developments in excavators and loaders
    February 14, 2012
    In the earthmoving sector, much development is being seen in excavators and wheeled loaders used for digging and loading, Mike Woof reports