Equipmake and Perkins partner on new off-highway hybrid vehicle project

The project’s objective is to design, develop and demonstrate an electrified, lower carbon hybrid powertrain for the global off-highway market, enabling vehicle and machinery manufacturers to accelerate their transition away from fossil fuels and deliver net zero objectives.

Equipmake has developed the e-powertrain technology, which can run on multiple lower-carbon intensity fuels such as bio-methanol, eFuels or zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, as an alternative to existing diesel powertrains. The heavy-duty hybrid system will also feature a bespoke-designed high torque density electric motor and inverter.

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The hybrid powertrain system can be configured to provide performance in the range of 45-250kW, depending upon application.

Through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the government is awarding £11.14m in funding to the project, with Equipmake awarded £3.24m. Development on the system has already begun and will take 42 months, with a demonstration planned for 2027.

In a statement, Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said: “We would like to thank the APC for its foresight in granting support funding for this new project, which has the potential to enable multiple global off-highway vehicle OEMs to work towards meeting net zero objectives – while at the same time creating new jobs across the supply chain.”

The project will be led by Perkins and Loughborough University will provide support for the development of the e-powertrain technology through advanced engine analytics and emissions control.

Equipmake has expertise in the provision of heavy-duty electric powertrains across the automotive, aerospace, bus, and coach industries, with specific experience in the repowering of buses and coaches from ICE to fully electric, through the use of their vertically integrated motor and inverter technology.