Cummins Working on Hybrid Electric Truck with Enhanced Fuel Economy
Published On Apr 13, 2016
Global engine maker Cummins is in the process of developing a plug-in hybrid electric Class 6 truck. The company envisions strong benefits to the fuel economy through this new model.
The company aims to enhance performance as well as fuel economy with the technology used for the model, while at the same time, securing cleaner environmental goals. The firm is currently involved in research work centring on the engine. It aims to bring maximised productivity from the engine, and enable harmony between the train and the all-electric drive battery format.
“The close integration and control of the electrified powertrain with an appropriately selected engine is critically important to developing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle system,” said Wayne Eckerle, Vice President, Research and Technology, Cummins Inc. “We believe that through the team’s efforts we can soon make these innovations commercially available, which has the potential to translate into substantial savings annually per vehicle, helping our customers and the environment,” he added.
The fuel economy will see an estimated boost of nearly 50 percent. The model is expected to weigh between 19,000 and 26,000 pounds. The company has joined hands with many leading corporations in this effort, including PACCAR, the Ohio State University, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Argonne National Laboratory. The U.S. Department of Energy will be investing in the project, and has currently funnelled 4.5 million USD to the initiative through a grant.
See Also:
Successful Platooning Event Lays the Path Towards Future of Transport in EU
Truck Demand Increases in East Africa Owing to Construction Boost
