Transense Technologies plc has secured a major contract with leading global heavy-duty vehicle powertrain supplier Cummins Inc.

The project, named ‘DriveSense’ has been designed to advance the creation of next-generation smart electric drive systems for heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles by developing and demonstrating a sensor-enabled smart electric motor.

The twelve-month project is supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) R&D programme and part funded by the UK Government through the DRIVE35 Innovation Fund. It has a total value of £2.99 million. Transense’s role in the project is valued at approximately £0.6 million.

DriveSense will combine Cummins’ expertise in high performance electric drive systems with Transense’s SAWsense technology, which uses Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) sensors to provide real time torque and temperature data from inside electric motors, giving manufacturers better insight into performance, efficiency and durability.

By integrating real-time embedded sensing with new motor and inverter technologies, DriveSense is expected to support the development of a new generation of electric drive solutions and power electronics that are more efficient, more reliable and capable of being manufactured at scale in the UK.

Ryan Maughan, Managing Director of Transense Technologies plc, commented: “We are pleased to be supporting Cummins on a programme that pushes the capability of electric drive systems forward. Embedding real-time sensing into next-generation electric drives provides manufacturers with critical data to enhance performance and reliability. This project further underlines the important role of UK-based innovation in the transition to advanced electric propulsion.”

Ankit Patel, Director of Research and Technology at Cummins Inc, said: “DriveSense represents a key step in Cummins’ UK-engineered zero-emission propulsion development. In partnership with Transense, we are embedding advanced sensing within electrified drivetrains to enhance efficiency, durability and performance. Supported by the APC and Innovate UK, this collaboration accelerates the commercialisation of intelligent, sustainable propulsion and reinforces the UK’s leadership in clean mobility.”

Transport & Logistics Magazine – Driving The Industry Forward