Cummins Debuts Integrated HELM Drivetrain at IAA

Cummins pulled the curtain back on a new integrated drivetrain concept at the IAA Transport Show in Hannover, Germany, on September 17. According to Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins chair and CEO, the newly designed drivetrain is based on the OE’s HELM engine platform. It is also intended to highlight Cummins’ broader product portfolio and continued commitment to providing flexible, sustainable power solutions.

The Cummins HELM engine platform is a fuel-agnostic series of engine versions that are derived from a common base.

Below the head gasket of each engine are largely similar components and above the head gasket will have different components for different fuel types — as advanced diesel, natural gas, or zero-carbon hydrogen.

Each engine version will operate using a different, single fuel.

'The Power of Choice' in Lower-Emission Drivetrains

The integrated drivetrain offers fleets three powertrain options: advanced diesel, diesel-hybrid, and zero-carbon hydrogen.

In a presentation centered on “The Power of Choice,” Rumsey said this approach demonstrates Cummins’ multi-solution approach to supporting vehicle manufacturers with upcoming European emissions standards.

The drivetrain features advanced diesel and hydrogen internal combustion engines from its Cummins HELM platforms, as well as front and rear axles and brakes. These are added to by aftertreatment systems and technologies from Accelera by Cummins, the zero-emissions brand of Cummins.

Rumsey emphasized that Cummins’ acquisition of Meritor, Siemens Commercial Vehicles and Jacobs Vehicle Systems in recent years means Cummins can now offer full powertrain capability.

Rumsey said Cummins’ HELM engine design philosophy brings together advanced internal combustion engine technology and fuel flexibility in a way that is designed to meet the industry’s operational requirements while reducing tailpipe emissions.

The X10 engine, with ratings from 240-335 kW (320 – 450 hp), extends Cummins’ heavy-duty performance down to a 10-litre displacement, while meeting Euro 7’s stringent ultra-low emissions standards.

With peak torque of 2300 Nm, Rumsey said the X10 delivers exceptional engine response and vehicle drivability, setting a new benchmark for heavy-duty performance in 26- to 44-ton truck applications.

“The X 10 is a completely new clean sheet engine design developed to offer class leading fuel economy,” Rumsey said. “And that translates to lower CO two emissions and cost savings for our customers rated up to 450 horsepower with 23 300 newton meters of torque. 

"The X 10 also enables Cummins to extend its legendary heavy-duty performance down to 10-liter displacement with higher power density than comparable 11-liter engines. It also offers low weight and compact installation for vehicles in the 26- to 44-ton range.”

Hydrogen ICE Research Continues

Cummins’ drivetrain also features hydrogen internal combustion engine technology from its X15H — part of the company’s 15-liter platform.

With power ratings from 298-395 kW (400-530 hp) and peak torque of 2600 Nm, the X15H offers an operating range comparable to current diesel engines, ideal for heavier-duty or longer-range applications.

Slated for production toward the end of this decade, the X15H was displayed alongside Cummins’ production-ready 700-bar hydrogen fuel delivery system, with Type IV on-vehicle storage vessels from its NPROXX joint venture.

“The X15H is a practical path to substantially reducing carbon emissions for vehicles up to 44 tons,” Rumsey said.

Engines powered by hydrogen emit 99% less carbon than their diesel counterparts, and they meet the European Union's criteria for zero emissions technology.

"From an integration perspective, the hydrogen internal combustion engines are familiar to vehicle OEMs and operators. Their similarity to current diesel and natural gas engines mean they could be easily integrated in today's vehicle designs, and they deliver significant benefits in range and refueling speed.”

Cummins engineers believe that a truck powered by a X15H in combination with the high-capacity 700 bar hydrogen fuel delivery system will offer an operating range of more than 1,000 kilometers, Rumsey noted.

“These emissions reductions, integration, simplicity, range and refueling comparable to current diesel engines, makes this technology attractive for enabling our industry to take major steps forward and tailpipe emissions reduction with minimal impact on today's operations,” she added.

Hybrid Powertrain Options

Featuring a diesel-hybrid concept, Jane Beaman, vice president, global on-highway and pick-up business at Cummins stressed that Cummins and Accelera have all the key technologies, individually or with integrated drivetrain options, for hybrid vehicles.

She noted that hybrid solutions can play a role in achieving carbon reduction goals in line with upcoming regulation, while infrastructure for zero-emissions technologies gain scale.

“As the commercial vehicle industry in Europe approaches Euro 7 and CO2 Heavy Duty Vehicles regulations, the need for diverse power solutions is more critical than ever,” Beaman said. 

“As we look toward the next decade, when carbon reduction targets intensify and infrastructure remains challenging, hybrid powertrains could help to eliminate range anxiety, enhance operational flexibility and contribute significantly to vehicle manufacturers’ CO2 reduction targets.”