Cummins has entered the electric vehicle market with an electric powertrain that can be configured as either a zero-emission package or to use a small diesel range-extender.
Suitable for urban and interurban applications, it uses individual battery units, each with 70kW/h of energy storage.
Up to eight can be integrated within the full-electric driveline and distributed around the vehicle, giving a maximum range of 360km on one charge.
The range extender utilises Cummins’ 2.8-litre, 160bhp ISF engine. A control system monitors the batteries’ state of charge and engages the engine when necessary. It can also deliver a ‘load following’ strategy at times of high power demand.
Various charging options for both options will be available, including overnight and opportunity replenishment, and Cummins is already talking to vehicle manufacturers about the driveline in both of its forms.
The first demonstration buses are likely to debut in 2018 and production should commence in 2019.
Find out more: www.cumminseurope.com
