Cummins opens new powertrain test facility to support changing power requirements
Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) announced the official opening of its new, fuel agnostic Powertrain Test Facility at the Darlington, U.K. campus. An expansion of its European Technical Operations function, the new facility positions Cummins at the forefront of ultra-low and zero emissions power technologies, as the industry focuses on reducing greenhouse gas contributions and improving air quality.
The Powertrain Test Facility expands Cummins’ current engine testing capabilities and will test full powertrains running on advanced diesel, natural gas, zero-carbon hydrogen fuel and battery electric technologies. The facility will be instrumental in supporting the development of a wide range of Cummins and Accelera products including internal combustion engines for Euro 7 and Stage 6, fuel cells and batteries as well as key components like axles and e-axles.
Following an investment of more than £13 million, the 738 sq. m. two storey facility significantly increases Cummins’ testing capacity with state-of-the-art facilities. This includes fully robotic driving with manual or automatic transmission, road grade and load simulation, wheel-slip simulation, and engine duty cycle recreation.
The new centre enables Cummins to develop and test a wider range of vehicles and machinery powered by hydrogen, renewable natural gas, advanced diesel or battery electric."
"It is a key part of our Destination Zero™ strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of our products - helping our customers in their energy transition, whatever solution they chose.” said Jonathon White, Vice President, Engine Business Engineering.
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. These can be two or four-wheeldrive.
White added, “Cummins’ broad powertrain engineering capability paves the way for the adoption of cleaner technologies while advancing driveability, performance, efficiency and sustainability as well as minimising operational costs. It also supports compliance with regulatory standards such as the upcoming Euro 7 and CO2 Heavy-Duty Vehicle regulations.”
The new facility will support the development of cleaner power solutions, and also provides 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.
Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems and Accelera by Cummins – supported by our global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy, which is grounded in the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. The products range from advanced diesel, natural gas, electric and hybrid powertrains and powertrain-related components including filtration, aftertreatment, turbochargers, fuel systems, valvetrain technologies, controls systems, air handling systems, automated transmissions, axles, drivelines, brakes, suspension systems, electric power generation systems, batteries, electrified power systems, hydrogen production technologies and fuel cell products. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), since its founding in 1919, Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world through three global corporate responsibility priorities critical to healthy communities: education, environment and equality of opportunity. Cummins serves its customers online, through a network of company-owned and independent distributor locations, and through thousands of dealer locations worldwide and earned about $735 million on sales of $34.1 billion in 2023.
The Cummins Inc. Darlington campus includes an engine and exhaust after-treatment plant, technical operations, and hosts a range of support staff. In total, there are around 1,750 Cummins employees on site, servicing over 180 customers across more than 50 countries.
