Equipmake partnership with Perkins

Norfolk, United Kingdom- Equipmake Holdings PLC., an UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, and coach industries, will collaborate with Perkins Engines Company Limited., on a new off-highway hybrid system project.

The project, which has received a total of £11.14 million in government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), with Equipmake receiving £3.24 million, aims to support the development and demonstration of an electrified, lower carbon hybrid powertrain for the global off-highway market, allowing vehicle and machinery OEMs to accelerate their transition away from fossil fuels.

The project will see the design, development, and demonstration of a'multi-fuel drop-in' hybrid powertrain, which will be an alternative to existing diesel solutions in off-highway vehicles and will support the UK and global off-highway industries in achieving net zero emissions. It will be led by Perkins, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., with Equipmake providing e-powertrain technology and Loughborough University supporting through advanced engine analytics and emissions control.

The heavy-duty hybrid system will be capable of running on multiple lower-carbon intensity fuels such as bio-methanol, eFuels, or zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen, and will include a bespoke-designed high torque density electric motor and inverter, as well as all associated power electronics, which will be completely designed and developed in-house by Equipmake.

Depending on the application, the hybrid powertrain system can be designed to give performance ranging from 45 to 250kW. The development process has already begun and will last 42 months. The initiative is projected to support both new and current jobs at Equipmake as well as the associated supply chain.

Mr. Ian Foley, CEO, Equipmake, said that, Equipmake has always been at the forefront of electric motor and inverter innovation, and we are excited to collaborate with Perkins on this revolutionary hybrid electric powertrain project. We would like to thank the APC for its foresight in providing support financing for this innovative project, which has the potential to enable numerous global off-highway vehicle OEMs to work towards net zero goals while also creating new jobs across the supply chain.

This project is also an important part of Equipmake's strategic development, providing us with access to a global off-highway market through this decarbonisation technology, as well as a major increase in our volume production capacities over time. It also strengthens Equipmake's position as a leading provider of innovations electrification systems to a variety of industries.

About Perkins

As one of the providers of diesel engines we are passionate about delivering excellent products and services that exceed our customers’ expectations.

About Equipmake

We offer electric powertrain solutions for global automotive, aerospace, marine, construction & bus markets. Founded in 1997, by Managing Director Ian Foley, a highly experienced engineer who has worked in motorsport at the highest level from Le Mans to F1. We are a UK manufacturer of electric drivetrains, electric motors, inverters (IGBT & SiC), power electronics, control systems and HVAC