Among the challenges imposed by the explosion of vehicle power sources and the technologies serving them is the evolution of testing procedures. Cummins has equipped itself to meet these needs of OEMs. Following an investment of more than £13 million, the 738 sq. m. two storey facility significantly increases Cummins’ testing capacity in Darlington with fully robotic driving with manual or automatic transmission, road grade and load simulation, wheel-slip simulation, and engine duty cycle recreation.
The test center building provides three levels of safety, relating to inhalation, detection and blast. Jonathon White, Vice President, Engine Business Engineering, said: “The new centre enables Cummins to develop and test a wider range of vehicles and machinery powered by hydrogen, renewable natural gas, advanced diesel, or battery electric. It is a key part of our Destination ZeroTM strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas and air quality impacts of our products – helping our customers in their energy transition, whatever solution they chose.”
Real World Emissions
As Felipe Rocha pointed out: “Real-world emissions are currently receiving a lot of emphasis. We are able to accomplish that and conduct tests with far greater precision thanks to this facility. Additionally, we observe that this facility has a great deal to offer us in terms of our ability to collaborate with OEMs and customers. There are many things they are prepared to accomplish on their own as they consider developing diesel or battery electricity, but we might be able to work with them in our test center.”
