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

  • Tailpipe tale
    September 3, 2012
    Forthcoming emissions legislation is requiring engine firms to invest in new technology, writes Mike Woof
  • Chinese firms unveiled earthmoving innovation at BICES 2015
    January 15, 2016
    Chinese firms LiuGong, Shantui, Sunward and XCMG revealed innovative earthmoving concepts at BICES 2015 – Mike Woof writes. Of the many new machines seen at the recent BICES 2015 construction equipment exhibition in Beijing, a number of firms were notable for their innovations. LiuGong, Shantui, Sunward and XCMG all offered particular developments in earthmoving technology that stood out from the array of more conventional equipment. All of these firms also showed more standard machines, as did other rivals
  • Soil compaction innovations abound
    October 26, 2012
    Manufacturers continue to innovate with sophisticated new soil compaction machines - Mike Woof reports This year has seen the introduction of a series of new soil compaction machines, as manufacturers develop their product ranges. Meeting emission legislation requirements in Europe and North America has helped drive firms to install the latest engine designs. Meanwhile machines have also evolved as companies further refine operating features. The global market for compaction machines has been dominated by
  • Methanol range extender for fuel cell vehicle
    July 9, 2012
    The innovative QBREAK electric car is to benefit from a sophisticated methanol fuel cell range extender. Development work is being carried out on the project by a consortium of Danish companies. The plan is to develop a novel, range-extended electric vehicle that uses biomethanol as a fuel source. TheModularEnergyCarrier concept (MECc) project has just been granted funding from the Danish government. The reworked electric car is expected to deliver high market potential due to a competitive price and specif