Allison Transmission, a prominent player in fully automatic transmissions and electrified propulsion systems, has announced a partnership with Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader. Cummins has chosen Allison’s Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center to conduct a comprehensive series of tests on multiple trucks outfitted with their powertrains. This collaboration marks a significant step towards advancing the development of innovative powertrain technologies.
The decision to utilize Allison’s advanced testing facility stems from its unique capabilities. The 60,000-square-foot center, the only one of its kind in the Midwest, provides a controlled environment for year-round testing. It can accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including those powered by diesel, gasoline, natural gas, hydrogen, and battery electric systems. This comprehensive approach allows OEMs and suppliers to expedite product development and validation processes, bringing new technologies to market faster and more efficiently.
Tom Marsh, X15 Program Leader at Cummins, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to leverage the advanced testing capabilities of Allison’s Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center to further enhance our product development efforts. The facility’s ability to simulate real-world conditions in a secure and repeatable environment is invaluable as we continue to innovate and improve our powertrain technologies.”
The center’s advanced testing capabilities encompass controlled thermal environments and dynamometer road simulations, enabling the replication of a broad range of duty cycles. This allows for the testing of vehicle performance under various extreme conditions, enhancing the reliability of results and reducing the costs associated with on-road testing.
Michael O’Quin, Associate Director of Allison’s Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center, highlighted the facility’s suitability for Cummins’ innovative engine technologies. “Allison’s Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center is equipped to handle a diverse array of testing scenarios across all major propulsion types, which makes it an ideal choice for Cummins’ innovative engine technologies.”
This collaboration between Allison and Cummins signifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of vehicle electrification and powertrain development. By harnessing the advanced capabilities of Allison’s test center, Cummins aims to optimize its product development, ensuring that its innovative technologies are brought to market with the highest level of performance and reliability.
