Cummins-Hyundai excavator on show

Cummins will show a prototype electric mini excavator at its Bauma stand, the fruit of a co-operation with Hyundai that was first announced last October.

Powered by eight Cummins BM4.4E battery modules – 4.4kWh each – the 3.5 tonne Hyundai prototype is designed to operate for a full shift on a single charge, with recharging taking less than three hours.

The batteries are connected in a series configuration to provide a total energy of 35kWh. Mounted near the base of the excavator, the Cummins-designed and built battery pack uses Li-ion technology “to achieve a higher energy density and proprietary control technology to maintain the battery state-of-charge for a longer zero emission range.”

The modular design also allows for scalability to other applications and duty cycles, said Cummins.

The company unveiled its first Stage V construction engines at Bauma 2016 and is now in production with all engine models from the F3.8 to X15, with more than 200 machine installations completed or in progress.

At Bauma it will show the B6.7, which is said to offer 30% higher torque than the Stage IV equivalent, with 243kW of power. Cummins said this meant it could replace engines of higher displacement with no impact on machine operation.

Also at Bauma will be the Stage V F3.8 power unit. Delivered as a complete and ready-made power package, it comprises an engine, Single Module aftertreatment, radiator and cooling system – as well as auxiliaries such as mounting feet, hoses and an air cleaner.