Cummins Drives Innovation Forward with New Powertrain Test Facility in Darlington

The Powertrain Test Facility is an expansion of its European Technical Operations work and will enable Cummins to develop and test a wider range of power technologies, from the latest generation diesel, natural gas, and hydrogen capable fuel agnostic combustion engine platforms to hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric powertrains, as the company works towards zero emissions across its product portfolio.

Taking four years to complete, with an investment of more than £13 million, the 738 square metre two-storey facility significantly increases testing capacity for Cummins with state-of-the-art capabilities.

Jonathon White, Vice President, Cummins Engine Business Engineering, said: “The new centre enables Cummins to develop and test a wider range of vehicles and machinery powered by hydrogen, renewable natural gas, sustainable diesel, or battery electric. It is a key part of our Destination Zero strategy, to go further, faster to reduce the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of our products - helping our customers in their energy transition, whatever solution they chose.”

The Cummins Powertrain Test Facility will support the company as it develops new products for customers. As part of this, Cummins will work collaboratively with customers to test power solutions in an effort to offer them the best solutions for their needs.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Combined Authority Mayor, said: “It is excellent to see Cummins’ efforts to develop the next generation of clean power come to life. Having such a valuable resource in the region clearly supports Tees Valley’s Hydrogen Transport Hub as we lead the way in hydrogen, innovation and low-carbon transport.”

Cummins engineers are expanding their capabilities using highly advanced dynamometers to test chassis-installed powertrains. Previously focused predominantly on engine testing, they can now develop full drivelines for on-road use, from compact SUV size to 44-ton trucks and double-deck buses, plus off-road use in construction and agricultural machines.

The powertrains are driven in the test chamber by a robotic driver. The robot was recently named in a competition at STEMFest Tees Valley, in which hundreds of students from across the region submitted names for the new Cummins equipment. The winning name came from Summer from Manor Community Academy in Hartlepool and the robotic driver is now called VERA (Virtual Engineer Robotic Assistant).

The facility will provide the new capability to support the development of the fuel agonistic Cummins HELM™ platform, as well as wider Accelera by Cummins products, in addition to supporting the continued development work on the hydrogen fuelled internal combustion engine (H2-ICE).

The new Powertrain Test Facility will also provide local environmental benefits as part of its daily operation. The advanced dynamometers feature energy recovery systems to generate electricity that can be used across the Cummins site and reduce the impact on the local grid. Additionally, water consumption is reduced by harvesting rainwater, using a similar system already in place in the engine plant.

Councillor Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council who attended the official opening of the Powertrain Test Facility, added: "The opening of this facility represents a significant step forward in sustainable development at the very heart of our community. Not only does this support the local economy, but it also demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact now and for many years to come. This facility is a testament to how industry and community can work together towards a more sustainable future, benefiting Darlington and beyond."

Cummins’ Darlington campus employs around 1,750 people in manufacturing, technical, testing, and business support roles. The establishment of the new Powertrain Test Facility provides opportunities to reskill current employees related to the development of diverse technologies.