Green hypertruck for the USA

Together with engine specialist Cummins, Hyliion is launching the Hypertruck ERX with innovative CNG hybrid drive for the North American market in 2023.

As with the first pre-production models, the parallel hybrid powertrain co-developed by Cummins from Hyliion will give the hypertrucks plenty of torque and power while keeping CO₂ levels low, starting in late 2023. Source Hyliion/Cummins

Hyliion was founded in 2015 by mechanical engineer and racing driver Thomas Healy to provide commercial fleets and trucks with practical hybrid and electric drive solutions. The Texas-based company is now one of the leading suppliers of electrified powertrain solutions for articulated lorries. Hyliion and the well-known engine manufacturer Cummins are now presenting an innovative CNG powertrain designed as a parallel hybrid.

Cummins’ proven ISX12N CNG powertrain is now being optimized for use in Hyliion’s ERX hypertruck for the purpose of electric range extension and on-board power generation. “CNG solutions are integral to our journey towards zero emissions,” said J. Michael Taylor, General Manager Global Powertrain Integration, Cummins Inc. “Integrating our engine in the Hyliion Hypertruck ERX solution is key to offering our customers a portfolio of powertrains with multiple fuel options so as to help them achieve their sustainability goals.”

The Hyliion Hypertruck ERX delivers an all-electric range of around 120 kilometres. After this the CNG range extender is used, giving the truck a total range of 1,600 kilometres. With this innovative drive solution, the truck can easily reach one of the existing 700 CNG filling stations in North America. “Based on our shared goal of making truck traffic more sustainable, our collaboration with Cummins will undoubtedly help the transportation industry to become greener,” said Thomas Healy, Founder and CEO of Hyliion. “The EPA and CARB certifications are important steps along our production pathway.” Series production of the ERX hypertruck with ISX12N CNG drive is expected to start at the end of 2023.

The hypertruck’s parallel hybrid offers the advantage of combining a long-distance range of over 1,600 kilometres with a purely electric application for inner-city applications. And even with a full load of 36 tonnes, the powertrain delivers better acceleration than a diesel truck as well as an unbelievably high level of torque at all times thanks to the electric motors. In addition to the CNG drive, the batteries are naturally draw power from the regenerative brakes of the two rear axles. The clever point here is that if you even refuel with biogas rather than of CNG, this imposing US truck is still almost CO₂-neutral. (pd/jas, 26 July 2022)

Long-range capabilities of over 1600 kilometers will be combined with an all-electric range of 120 kilometers for urban driving in the Hypertruck ERX. Source: Hyliion/Cummins