Hybrids and electric solutions

Stage V engine
Stage V engine

Hybrid and Electric Solutions

Perkins white paper: Hybrid and Electric Solutions

Hybrid and electric technologies - what is the optimum solution?

Download
Download Whitepaper
Download Whitepaper

Perkins to lead demonstration of leading-edge hydrogen hybrid power solutions

The advanced integrated power units will help off-highway OEMs – both large scale and those with limited resources – address the energy transition.

Read more
Perkins to lead demonstration of leading-edge hydrogen hybrid power solutions
Perkins to lead demonstration of leading-edge hydrogen hybrid power solutions

Putting hybrid diesel-electric to the test

Can a battery really perform like an engine? 

​We put this question to the test with a real-life working machine to explore the potential role of electrification in powering machinery. Perkins engineers undertook the ambitious project of converting a 75 kW diesel-powered telehandler into a hybrid machine, utilising a Perkins 48V battery system to enable electric-only operation.

of
Telehandler

Design Objectives

The key goals for this transformation were:

  • Achieve 10 percent greater efficiency than the original diesel-powered model
  • Enable an electric-only running capability
  • Implement effective diesel engine start/stop technology

The Transformation Process

The telehandler was carefully disassembled, repainted, and rebuilt with Perkins hybrid technology. The system integrates a powerful 55 kW Perkins® 904J-E28T engine, a 20 kW 48V P2 Motor Generator Unit (MGU), a 48V 3.9 kWh battery, an inverter, and a powershift transmission. This comprehensive overhaul resulted in the creation of the Perkins Pathfinder Project.

Introducing the Perkins Pathfinder Project

The Pathfinder Project showcases a hybrid telehandler concept that operates on both diesel and electricity. Converted from a 75 kW diesel model, this remarkable machine features a 48V battery system that facilitates electric-only operation. The project successfully met its original program goals and continues to be used in daily operations at Perkins’ Peterborough site.

Achieving Success

The engineering team achieved their objectives by enhancing the machine's efficiency by ten percent while ensuring it could run solely on electric. The integration of diesel engine start/stop technology further exemplifies the successful implementation of hybrid technology.The Pathfinder demonstrator offers an array of valuable features, ensuring reliable performance and exceptional capabilities, solidifying its role as a staple on the Peterborough site.

Hybrid-electric

of

Stores energy in ruggedised lithium ion batteries. Long duration energy storage makes it suitable for machines with less predictable operating cycles. 48-volt electrics provide wider integration opportunities and fuel saving.

Hybrid-electric

Hybrid-mechanical

of

Optimised for machines with short and repeated operating cycles such as loading. Rapid release of stored energy. This solution offers an attractive path to engine downsizing as it takes less space than other solutions.

Hybrid-mechanical

Hybrid-hydraulic

of

Stores excess energy from the engine, and recovered energy from machine systems, in a hydraulic accumulator. Offers rapid release of stored energy and leverages existing machine hydraulics. Service network friendly.

Hybrid-hydraulic
of

We compare hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and diesel in generator sets, showing minimal performance differences and significant CO2 reduction. Discover how HVO can replace diesel without equipment changes

of

Perkins Engines converts a large 75kW diesel-powered telehandler into a hybrid machine by combining its 48V battery system with its 55kW Perkins 904J-E28T engine to enable electric-only running capability.

of

Take a closer look at our hybrid-electric telehandler project, which is known around Perkins as "Pathfinder."

HVO vs. Diesel: A Comparison for Generator Sets
Perkins Engines converts 75kW diesel telehandler to a hybrid using 48V battery system & 55kW engine
Take a closer look at our hybrid-electric telehandler project, which is known around Perkins as "Pathfinder."

Can we help?

Are you a machine manufacturer who is thinking about adding hybrid or electric-powered machines to your range? We would like to chat.

Contact us
Contact us
Contact us

Will electricity replace diesel?

Many people predict that electric solutions will eventually take over from diesel power. The question is, “when will this happen and how suddenly?”

Read more
Wire frame battery background
Wire frame battery background

Hybrid and electric technologies - what is the optimum solution?

Why are there so many different proposed power solutions for construction and agricultural machines? Why not simply adopt automotive technology?

Read more
Hybrid and electric technologies - what is the optimum solution?
Hybrid and electric technologies - what is the optimum solution?

How Perkins can help OEMs develop future power solutions

Choosing the right technology development process can save OEMs time and money and deliver a better product.

Read more
How Perkins can help OEMs with future power solution development?
How Perkins can help OEMs with future power solution development?