“Right now is an exciting time
to be part of Allison and our industry as a whole,” said David S. Graziosi,
president and CEO of Allison Transmission. “There is more rapid change in our
industry and more Allison initiatives underway today than at any point during
the last decade,” he added.
With its deep first gear ratio and
industry-leading ratio coverage, the Allison 9-speed transmission provides
significant fuel savings as the highly efficient gear train allows the torque
converter to lock up early in first gear. Additionally, the 9-speed includes an
optional integral engine stop-start system that provides immediate transmission
engagement and vehicle hold while the engine is restarted. Providing value for
a variety of applications, the 9-speed transmission is ideal for distribution
trucks, rental and lease trucks, and school buses.
“With this new transmission,
Allison continues to demonstrate its commitment to help achieve standards
regarding fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions,” said Graziosi.
The Allison 9-speed model
leverages the proven durability of the Allison 2000 Series 6-speed
transmissions, which have accumulated more than 100 billion miles globally.
It’s been designed to utilize the same vehicle manufacturer’s interfaces as its
6-speed predecessor, providing ease of integration into vehicles currently
released with the Allison 2000 Series.
In addition to the 9-speed
transmission, Allison also announced the expansion of its electrification
portfolio that includes an electric hybrid system with a purely electric
extended range—up to 15 kilometers. Ideal for transit bus and motor coach
applications, the system features zero-emissions with engine off, including on
approaching, during and leaving passenger stops for a quieter and healthier
environment.
Additional features include a
higher energy Li-ion battery for extended engine off range; a smaller, lighter
dual inverter with water ethylene glycol cooling for more efficient operation;
and Increased Power Accessory II to improve fuel economy by using the hybrid
system to power accessory components like air conditioning, air compressors and
power steering.
“This hybrid with extended
electric range builds on one of the most dependable and efficient
hybrid-propulsion systems,” said Graziosi. “With over 8,000 buses around the
world using our system since 2003, Allison was a pioneer in electrification and
remains a trusted brand.”
The system is electric-only
capable, but no electric charging infrastructure is required. Battery charging
is accomplished via regenerative braking and engine operation. The regenerative
braking capability can extend the brake change interval by up to 350 percent.
The two-mode split parallel architecture improves fuel economy up to 25
percent.
Beyond the Allison 9-speed
transmission and extended electrification portfolio, Allison also continues to
work with telematics service providers (TSPs) and vehicle manufacturers to
support existing and new customers with connected capabilities for a single,
efficient fleet management experience.
Backwards compatible to fourth
generation electronic controls, which were first produced in 2005, the new
connected capabilities will provide insight into over 170 different
transmission conditions. This will provide fleet management and maintenance
staff with the insight they need to improve vehicle uptime.
Source: Allison Transmission