Cummins open new powertrain test facility

New facility in Darlington to support changing power requirements for on- and off-road vehicles and machines

CUMMINS Inc. have officially opened their new, fuel-agnostic powertrain test facility at the company’s Darlington campus in the UK. An expansion of the 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 such as axles and e-axles.

Following an investment of more than £13 million, the 738m² 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.

Jonathon White, vice-president of 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, 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.’

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-tonne trucks, plus off-road use in construction machines, both two- and four-wheel-drive.

Mr White continued: ‘Cummins’ broad powertrain engineering capability paves the way for the adoption of cleaner technologies while advancing driveability, performance, efficiency, and sustainability, as well as minimizing 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.