Cummins Broadens Power Portfolio with Battery Electric and Range
Extended Electric Systems to Offer the Most Energy-Diverse Solutions in
the Industry
Cummins will reveal electrified power technology for transit bus
applications at the APTA public transportation show opening in Atlanta
on October 9.
Cummins will display a new powertrain, configurable for either a full
battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a range extended electric vehicle
(REEV) incorporating a compact engine-generator. Cummins electrified
power systems are ideally suited for integration into transit, shuttle
and commuter buses enabling direct drive-by-wire continuous
acceleration. With the bus operating in battery-only mode, the system
achieves zero emissions at the point of use.
Enhanced energy storage for both the BEV and REEV systems is achieved
using Cummins’ high-density battery enclosure, which are compact and
modular allowing for both on-roof and chassis integration. Cummins’
unique design fits into existing bus designs.
Cummins’ proprietary control technology enables the zero-emissions bus
range to be extended by optimally managing subsystems, allowing the
charge of the battery to be extended. Operational flexibility is also
improved with fast recharge capability using a plug-in connection, as
well as options for en-route charging when a pantograph or charge plate
infrastructure is available.
“The introduction of our new BEV and REEV systems will complement
Cummins’ clean-diesel, near-zero natural gas and diesel-hybrid products
to offer the broadest, most energy-diverse power portfolio in the bus
industry. We are able to meet the needs of every transit route, every
duty cycle and every emissions standard in the most cost-effective
manner,” said Julie Furber, Executive Director, Electrification
Business, Cummins Inc.
The standard-size Cummins battery enclosure provides a 70-kWh storage
capability with up to 8 enclosure units (560 kWh) suited for
installation within the BEV bus. This enables a zero-emissions range of
up to 224 miles on a single charge, with an energy consumption of 25
miles per gallon diesel, which provides significant cost reductions.
Cummins REEV system has a battery pack of three enclosures (210 kWh)
which can provide a zero-emissions range of up to 84 miles — a
significant advantage over current hybrid bus capability. When the
battery pack depletes to a low state-of-charge, the REEV system brings
online a 150-kW (201-hp) engine-generator to recharge the batteries and
continue operations with ultra-low emissions capability.
Compared to the standard diesel-powered bus, the REEV 4.5-liter engine
is downsized by about 50 percent in terms of displacement and can
achieve up to 10 miles per gallon, significantly lowering the carbon
footprint. A power assist function is available from the battery pack
whenever the system needs additional energy.
The REEV system’s ability to switch between shorter-range battery-only
mode and extended-range generator mode allows transit authorities to
geofence specific downtown areas by utilizing Cummins over-the-air
connected technology. The REEV system also enables buses to travel
significant distances beyond the city charging infrastructure.
“A key focus in the design of both our BEV and REEV systems ensures the
electrified architecture is modular and adaptable to enable an easier
technology transition for bus manufacturers,” said Brian Wilson, Cummins
General Manager — Global Bus Business. “This allows transit authorities
to continue using the same preferred bus models and retain fleet
commonality.”
“The new systems will be expertly serviced and supported by Cummins’
distribution network the same way we currently provide 24/7 support for
our diesel-, hybrid- and natural-gas-powered fleets. This is an
important factor for transit authorities, because as they adopt new
technologies they can count on Cummins to help with a transition to BEV
and REEV technology,” added Wilson.
Energy Efficiency
The BEV and REEV systems incorporate the same traction motor and power
electronics to deliver a continuous torque output of 1850 N•m (1365
pound-foot), eliminating the need for gear shifting and dramatically
reducing powertrain noise. When the vehicle requires additional tractive
power during rapid acceleration or while climbing gradients, the system
can deliver an instant peak torque boost of up to 3400 N•m (2508
pound-foot) for a short period.
Both systems provide a continuous electrical output of 225 kW (302
horspower), increasing to a peak output of 350 kW (469 horsepower) when
it senses the need for a power boost. The high-voltage system operates
at a nominal 660V when battery state-of-charge is around 50 percent.
Battery energy storage levels are boosted on-route by accepting “free”
energy recovered through regenerative braking. On a frequent stop/start
bus duty cycle, this could contribute the equivalent of 20 percent to
the total state-of-charge.
Electrical energy is also exportable from the Cummins system to all
electric-powered accessories featured on the bus, such as e-power
steering, e-HVAC, e-air compressors and e-cooling fans, adding up to a
typical 25-kW (33-horsepower) load at any one time. The electrical
supply from the Cummins system can be both low-voltage DC and
high-voltage AC, helping to simplify the installation and lower the cost
of the e-accessories package.
The same electronic control module used on the popular L9, L9N and B6.7
bus engines is adapted for use as the BEV and REEV system controller,
offering familiar diagnostics and the connectivity that bus operators
experience today.
About Cummins Inc.
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary
business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service diesel
and natural gas engines and related technologies, including fuel
systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and
electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana
(USA), Cummins currently employs approximately 55,400 people worldwide,
and serves customers in approximately 190 countries and territories
through a network of approximately 600 company-owned and independent
distributor locations and approximately 7,400 dealer locations. Cummins
earned $1.39 billion on sales of $17.5 billion in 2016. Press releases
can be found on the web at cummins.com or cumminsengines.com. Follow
Cummins on Twitter at twitter.com/cumminsengines and on YouTube at
youtube.com/cumminsengines.
Note to editor: Further information regarding Cummins BEV and
REEV systems for transit bus applications will be made available at the
“Cummins Goes Electric” APTA press event. Time/Date: 10:30 a.m.,
Tuesday, October 10, Location: Hall B, Cummins Booth #1933
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