Perkins Engines, an international company known for its diesel engines, is exploring a range of new powertrain technologies, and several of these are on display at the bauma 2025 trade fair in Munich.
New products being highlighted at the show include fuel-flexible internal combustion engines, hybrid power solutions, alternative-fuel power systems, electrification offerings, digital service, and lifecycle solutions.
One particularly interesting new product: a battery-electric power unit, which is making its debut at bauma as a technical demonstrator in a McElroy TracStar 900i pipe fusion machine. This plug-and-play power unit is designed to enable off-highway OEMs to seamlessly transition from diesel to battery-electric powertrains.
“We’re actively helping customers navigate the shift in power system requirement, with a range of advanced power systems, including electric, diesel-electric and alternative-fuel-compatible engines,” says Jaz Gill, VP of Global Sales, Marketing, Service and Parts. “The battery-electric power unit can be dropped into a machine to replace a diesel engine. The system consists of a Perkins battery along with inverters, motors and on-board chargers—all packaged into a compact drop-in system to support a seamless transition from diesel to electric.”
The new power unit has been put to the test in a McElroy TracStar 900i pipe fusion machine as a commercial demonstrator—the electric power unit replaces a 3.6-liter 904 Series diesel engine. It fits within the same chassis space and has the same mechanical connection and electrical interface points as the diesel engine it replaces.
In Munich, Charged chatted with Paul Muller, Technical Sales Manager at Perkins, to learn more about the electric power unit and the company’s approach to alternative fuels for off-highway equipment.
Muller highlighted that Perkins’ strategy is a collaborative approach. Instead of prescribing one-size-fits-all solutions, the company actively engages with OEM partners to understand their unique requirements and needs. This collaboration extends to testing real-world applications, assessing performance data, and providing actionable insights to manufacturers. By doing so, Perkins ensures each solution is practical, efficient, and meets specific operational criteria.
Source: Perkins
