Cummins unveils fully-electric heavy duty truck
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Diesel and natural gas engine company Cummins has 'out-Musked' Tesla and announced an industry first: the fully electric AEOS truck
Cummins’ Aeos 1 fully electric heavy-duty truck and powertrain PHOTO: Business Wire
The AEOS Concept Class 7 Urban Hauler EV is equipped with Cummins state-of-the art battery pack, which the company says redefines energy-efficiency and density capabilities for the EV market. The lighter, denser battery holds a longer charge for improved range and faster charging.
The concept truck design includes an engine-generator option for extended range for up to a 50 per cent fuel savings compared to other diesel hybrids with zero emissions.
“These new technological innovations build on our 100-year legacy of bringing the best solutions to our customers, driving their success and meeting the evolving demands of their industries and markets,” said Jennifer Rumsey, chief technical officer for Cummins Inc. “We will harness our global technical footprint to continue to develop a wide variety of power technologies to bring our customers the choice and solutions that enable their success and contribute to a sustainable future.”
Three cool things about Cummins’ AEOS electric truck:
Yup, It’s all electric
The concept truck uses a 140 KWh battery pack instead of a 12-liter engine. The weight of the electric powertrain is roughly equal to that of the engine, aftertreatment, transmission and fuel tank. The tractor day cab has a gross vehicle weight rating limit of 75,000 pounds and the concept truck has a range of about 100 miles on a single charge for city driving that’s extendable to 300 miles with additional battery packs.
Packed with energy-saving tech
A regenerative braking system and the potential for solar panels on the trailer roof can send energy to the battery pack. Air drag is reduced by replacing side mirrors with an in-dash camera system. The truck achieves a significant air drag reduction via its highly streamlined design as well as a better sealed truck body and underbody with no front radiator intrusion.
It’s green, no matter what colour you choose
The concept powertrain and truck are designed to limit the vehicle’s impact on the environment. Electric cars and trucks produce zero emissions, which is important at a time when climate change is such a big concern. If the charging power is generated from 100 percent renewable sources, then the truck can be described as fully carbon neutral.
Cummins Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes and services 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, Ind., Cummins employs approximately 55,400 people worldwide and posted US$1.39 billion in earnings on sales of $17.5 billion in 2016.
