Cummins, which  has been building diesel engines for heavy-duty vehicles since 1919, is methodically moving into the electric age. Now the company has successfully demonstrated a new ePowertrain for heavy-duty vehicles, using a test truck at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England.

The integrated 17Xe ePowertrain, developed by Meritor (now part of Cummins) with Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) consortium partners Editron and Electra, features output capacity of 430 kW continuous power. It’s designed to power heavy-duty trucks and buses in 6×2 or 4×2 configurations, and is available in a range of ratios and with three-speed transmission capabilities.

Danfoss’s Editron division developed and supplied the electric motor and silicon carbide inverter powering the axle. The motor is based on a patented architecture and thermal management methodology that exceeds the APC’s 2035 Roadmap targets for power density. As a result, only one motor will be required in the electric powertrain—Cummins says current alternatives usually need two motors to meet this product segment’s power requirements.

“We’re excited to showcase the capabilities of the 17Xe ePowertrain,” said John Bennett, General Manager of ePowertrain at Cummins. “The compact, integrated design and power density are ideal for OEMs interested in developing future-proof, sustainable heavy-duty equipment.”

Sunil Maher, Senior Project Delivery Lead, APC, called the demonstration a major milestone. “Seeing this prototype vehicle in operation is a significant step to addressing net-zero transport challenges in the UK. I look forward to the next stage of development which will see technical improvements and further product variation, to deliver solutions for heavy-duty and commercial vehicles.”

Source: Cummins