Cummins Commences Extensive Vehicle Testing at Allison Transmission's Electrification and Environmental Testing Facility
Cummins Inc., a leading engine manufacturer, has chosen Allison Transmission's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center for comprehensive vehicle testing. This collaboration will allow Cummins to optimize its product development efforts, particularly for its innovative engine technologies.
The test center, located in the Midwest, is unique in its 60,000-square-foot facility, designed for year-round testing in a controlled environment. Its advanced capabilities make it an ideal choice for OEMs and suppliers seeking to develop and optimize alternative fuel and electrified vehicle technologies.
Advanced Testing Capabilities
Allison Transmission's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center offers a range of advanced testing capabilities. These include controlled thermal environments and dynamometer road simulations that can replicate a broad range of duty cycles, allowing for testing under various extreme conditions.
The facility supports testing of vehicles powered by diesel, gasoline, natural gas, hydrogen, and battery electric systems. It also offers the ability to test with alternative fuels such as hydrogen, utilizing specialized refueling equipment and a continuous fuel supply for uninterrupted testing.
Supporting Innovation and Efficiency
The test center's capabilities are invaluable for the continued innovation and improvement of powertrain technologies. Allison's focus on vehicle electrification extends to applications in commercial buses, defense vehicles, and public transit, with the test center aiding in the advancement of these technologies to meet evolving environmental and operational demands.
The facility's testing infrastructure is designed to help OEMs reduce emissions and improve the efficiency and durability of electrified and alternative fuel vehicle systems. Allison's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center also supports Allison’s own electrified driveline technologies, such as the eGen Power family of fully electric axles and multi-speed transmissions integrated into compact e-Axle units, which optimize space for battery storage and improve vehicle performance.
Benefits of Testing at the Center
Testing at the center enhances the reliability of results and reduces costs compared to on-road testing. The advanced facilities are essential for OEMs and suppliers to reduce product development and validation timelines.
Tom Marsh, X15 Program Leader at Cummins, expressed his excitement about leveraging the test center's advanced capabilities. Michael O'Quin, Associate Director of Allison Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center, spoke about the invaluable role the center plays in the continued innovation and improvement of powertrain technologies.
This infrastructure aligns with Allison’s broader commitment to electrification and alternative fuels, supporting a transition to cleaner, more efficient commercial and defense vehicles globally. The latest news from the test center can be found at the source provided.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Cummins and Allison Transmission at the Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center marks a significant step forward in the development and optimization of innovative powertrain technologies. This partnership will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable commercial and defense vehicles worldwide.
[1] Allison Transmission. (n.d.). Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center. Retrieved from https://www.allisontransmission.com/en-us/about-us/innovation/vehicle-electrification-environmental-test-center [2] Allison Transmission. (n.d.). eGen Power™. Retrieved from https://www.allisontransmission.com/en-us/products/electrified-propulsion/egen-power [3] Allison Transmission. (n.d.). Defense. Retrieved from https://www.allisontransmission.com/en-us/industries/defense [4] Allison Transmission. (n.d.). Public Transit. Retrieved from https://www.allisontransmission.com/en-us/industries/public-transit
- The advanced testing capabilities at Allison Transmission's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center, such as controlled thermal environments and dynamometer road simulations, make it an ideal choice for OEMs and suppliers seeking to develop and optimize vehicles powered by various fuels, like diesel, gasoline, natural gas, hydrogen, and battery electric systems.
- Allison Transmission's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center offers testing support for alternative fuel vehicles and systems, including those that utilize specialized refueling equipment for hydrogen, aiming to optimize the development of innovative powertrain technologies and a transition to cleaner, more efficient commercial and defense vehicles globally.