Brit Electrification Specialist Plans Off-Highway Hybrid Powertrain With Perkins

A British engineering company has teamed up with diesel powertrain specialist, Perkins, to develop off-highway low carbon-dioxide-emissions hybrid-electrified systems.

Equipmake, based in Snetterton, Norfolk, expects the project to support development and demonstration of an electrified, lower carbon hybrid powertrain for the global off-highway market, enabling vehicle and machinery manufacturers to accelerate their transition from fossil fuels. The project, led by Perkins with Equipmake providing e-powertrain technology and Loughborough University supporting through advanced engine analytics and emissions control, will see the design, development and demonstration of a “multi-fuel drop-in” hybrid powertrain, which will be an alternative to existing diesel solutions in off-highway vehicles.

The companies claim the powertrain will be capable of running on multiple lower-carbon intensity fuels such as bio-methanol, e-fuels or zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen. This heavy-duty hybrid system will feature a bespoke-designed high torque density electric motor and inverter, alongside all associated power electronics, which will be completely designed and developed in-house by Equipmake.

The powertrain can be configured to provide performance in the range of 45-250 kW (60- 335 hp) depending upon application. Development has already begun and will take 42 months. The project is expected to support new and existing jobs at Equipmake and the related supply chain.

“Equipmake has always been at the forefront of innovation in electric motors and inverters, and we are delighted to work with Perkins on this innovative hybrid electric powertrain project,” Equipmake CEO Ian Foley says. “This project also represents a key element of our strategic development at Equipmake, giving us access to a global off-highway market through this decarbonization technology, and over time a significant extension in our volume production capabilities.”