Cummins ePowertrain begins testing at Millbrook

Cummins has started testing its new ePowertrain at Millbrook Proving Ground, which is suitable for powering trucks and buses.

The 17Xe ePowertrain, developed by Meritor (now part of Cummins) with Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) consortium partners Danfoss’ Editron division and Electra, has output capabilities of 576hp.

It can power heavy-duty trucks and buses in 6x2 or 4x2 configurations and is available in a range of ratios and with three-speed transmission capabilities.

John Bennett, general manager – ePowertrain at Cummins, said: “The compact, integrated design and power density are ideal for OEMs interested in developing future-proof, sustainable heavy-duty equipment. We look forward to working with our customers to accelerate decarbonisation of the heavy-duty vehicle market.”

Danfoss’ Editron division developed and supplied the electric motor and silicon carbide inverter powering the axle. The electric motor will be based on a patented architecture and thermal management methodology exceeding the APC’s 2035 Roadmap targets for power density. As a result, only one motor will be required in the electric powertrain design, marking a significant step forward for the industry, as current alternatives usually need two motors to meet this product segment’s power requirements.

“I am really proud to see this major milestone by demonstrating a fully integrated e-axle into a heavy-duty vehicle,” added Sunil Maher, senior project delivery lead at APC. “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.”

The 17Xe ePowertrain has been developed as part of an APC Electric Powertrain Integration for heavy Commercial vehicles (EPIC) project, to support the commercial vehicle sector to meet future regulations targeting CO2 reduction from 2025.