Cummins Features Electric Transit Bus at APTA
Cummins has revealed electrified power technology for transit bus applications at the APTA public transportation show in Atlanta .
Cummins displayed 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.
“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.
Cummin’s achieved the enhanced energy storage system by using high-density battery enclosures, which are compact and modular allowing for both on-roof and chassis integration. This allows for Cummins’ unique layout to fit into existing transit bus designs.
Cummins’ proprietary control technology enables the zero-emissions transit 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 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 transit 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.”
Category: General Update, Green, News
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