Norfolk-based
Equipmake, which specialises in the development and production of electrification products for the automotive, aerospace, bus, and coach industries at its facility in Snetterton — is to collaborate with engine manufacturer
Perkins on a new off-highway hybrid powertrain.
Awarded a total of £11.14 million in Government funding through the
Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), and with Equipmake awarded £3.24 million, the project’s objective is to support development and demonstration of an electrified ‘lower-carbon hybrid powertrain’ for the global off-highway market, thereby enabling vehicle and machinery OEMs to ‘accelerate their transition from fossil fuels’.
Led by Perkins, with Equipmake providing e-powertrain technology and Loughborough University supporting through advanced engine analytics and emissions control, the project will see the design, development and demonstration of a ‘multi-fuel drop-in’ hybrid system that will be an alternative to existing diesel solutions in off-highway vehicles.
Capable of running on multiple ‘lower-carbon intensity fuels’ — such as bio-methanol, eFuels or zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen — the heavy-duty hybrid system will feature a bespoke-designed high-torque-density electric motor and inverter, alongside all associated power electronics, which will be designed and developed in-house by Equipmake.
The hybrid powertrain will be capable of being configured to provide performance in the range of 45-250kW depending upon application. Development has already begun and will take 42 months. The project is expected to support new and existing jobs at Equipmake and the related supply chain.
Ian Foley, Equipmake’s CEO, said: “Equipmake has always been at the forefront of innovation in electric motors and inverters, and 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.
“This project also gives us access to a global off-highway market, and over time a significant extension in our volume production capabilities. It also furthers Equipmake’s position as a leading provider of ‘state of the art’ electrification systems to multiple industries.”