Cummins to develop new powertrain test facility

Cummins Darlington campus Photo: Cummins

Cummins has announced that it is to open a new powertrain test facility at its manufacturing location in Darlington, UK.

The £14 million ($18.3 million, €16.6 million) installation will support accelerated introduction of ‘clean power’ technology.

This includes the previously announced line of ‘fuel agnostic’ engines, which will use the latest universal engine platforms with interchangeable heads to support different fuel types, including hydrogen and biomethane (renewable natural gas).

The test facility will also investigate battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.

The goal will be to develop and launch new engines which reduce emissions and help to improve air quality.

“We are very excited to announce this significant investment in the new powertrain test facility at Darlington, which will be an important element in Cummins “Destination Zero” strategy to deliver a broad portfolio of power solutions to meet the world’s sustainability challenges,” said Jonathan Atkinson, executive director of Cummins On-Highway Business in Europe.

“The new facility will further enhance the ability of Cummins European Technical Operations to introduce low-to-zero carbon power solutions and meet the forthcoming Euro 7 very low emission regulations, likely to take effect around 2025,” added Atkinson.

Advanced dynamometers will also feature, supporting the test of chassis-installed powertrains and vehicles of sizes ranging from compact SUVs through to heavy trucks and double decker buses. Construction and agricultural equipment will also be tested.

The Cummins Darlington campus is home to manufacturing, technical, testing and business service operations. It has about 1,500 employees. The new powertrain test site will see a round of employee hiring, together with existing employee upskilling.

Ground preparations for the facility buildings are already underway. The first phase of the project is expected to open in May 2023.