New 17Xe epowertrain from Cummins enters testing

17Xe powertrain dev team members (left to right) Sunil Maher, APC; Pawel Ranoszek, Danfoss; John Bennett, Cummins; and Ben Smith, Electra (Photo: Cummins)

Cummins has reported that its new heavy-duty epowertrain has undergone first tests.

Referred to as 17Xe, the new epowertrain started testing at the Millbrook Proving Grounds in Bedfordshire, UK.

The 17Xe was developed by Cummins, together with Advanced Propulsion Centre consortium partners Danfoss Editron and Electra, and also Meritor, which is now part of Cummins.

“We’re excited to showcase the capabilities of the 17Xe ePowertrain,” said John Bennett, General Manager – ePowertrain at Cummins. “The compact, integrated design and power density are ideal for OEMs interested in developing future-proof, sustainable heavy-duty equipment. We look forward to working with our customers to accelerate decarbonisation of the heavy-duty vehicle market.”

The epowertrain, which can deliver 430 kW continuous power, is suitable for 6x2 or 4x2 drive configurations. It is driven via a three-speed transmission available in a range of ratios.

The 17Xe ePowertrain has been developed as part of an APC Electric Powertrain Integration for heavy Commercial vehicles (EPIC) project, to support the commercial vehicle sector to meet future regulations targeting CO₂ reduction from 2025.

Danfoss Editron developed and supplied the electric motor and the silicon carbide inverter powering the axle. With thermal management tech exceeding the APC’s 2035 Roadmap targets for power density, only one motor will be required. Current alternatives generally require a two-motor setup.

“I am really proud to see this major milestone by demonstrating a fully-integrated e-axle into a heavy-duty vehicle,” added Sunil Maher, senior project delivery lead, APC. “Seeing this prototype vehicle in operation is a significant step to addressing net-zero transport challenges in the UK.”