A groundbreaking energy fuel brings change to the way mobility functions and the environment. Alternatives to diesel are on the rise, but this specific innovation brings the transportation industry to a new level. The engine in discussion is packaged as a great level performer and introduces sustainable benefits for the environment to lower its carbon footprint. The innovation of green-based and great performance is hard to come by, but the natural gas engine comes as an exception.
The mobility industry’s first big-bore natural gas engine
Marking their space in the mobility industry, Cummins introduces the X15N, which is the first of its kind. This big-bore natural gas engine has specifications promoting long use, with its lightweight nature and reduced emissions. The Cummins X15N boasts a power rating up to 500 hp and a torque of up to 1850 lb-ft. The performance aligns with both the standards of diesel engines and the EPA and CARB regulations.
Highlighting the engine’s fuel flexibility, Cummins says:
“This engine is capable of running on renewable natural gas (RNG), which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.”
To further their growth in a fuelling infrastructure, the density was brought by the experience of working with fleets and fuelling suppliers, as they noted that natural gas is suitable for heavy trucking.
The integration of compressed natural gas, diesel, and hydrogen in one powerful engine is targeted through the Cummins X15N engine, and its reliability has been tested 1.5 million miles in the US and 3.5 billion miles in China. The tests were performed under various conditions, such as hot and cold weather. After 40,000 hours of dyno testing, the engine is reported back showing an improvement in fuel efficiency.
A decrease in the total cost of ownership comes with the new Cummins engine
Multiple benefits come with the great Cummins invention, and lower costs in one of them. Aiming to bring down the costs, the X15N shows an increase of up to 10% in fuel economy in comparison to the ISX12N. Showing great promise as an addition in the mobility sector, the engine has a maintenance-free three-way catalyst treatment system.
The economic benefit is that:
“Natural gas is abundant, relatively affordable, and widely available across North America’s infrastructure.”
Refuelling at private stations benefits fleets with consistent fuel prices. The X15N has the Cummins Eaton Automated Transmission Technologies and Cummins Clean Fuel Technologies, which will assist in greater performance, including a lighter engine that will open more space for cargo.
Growth in sustainability as emissions are reduced
Another step towards sustainability as the mobility world furthers is the green movement. Although the Cummins X15N is an internal combustion engine, it stands apart from diesel-powered trucks as its carbon footprint is not part of its package. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is portrayed through the engine’s CO2 and NOx levels, which are 90% below the EPA standards.
Cummins voices the environmental benefits, saying:
“When powered by renewable natural gas, the X15N could have up to a 97% reduction in CO2 and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Standing as one of the cleanest big engines, the RNG has increased in sales by 200% since 2018, and their 70% of commercial natural gas vehicles in the United States.
With many joining the train, Cummins’ business grows with 40 leading fleets ordered and signaling growth in the future of sustainable mobility, 30% of the ordered fleets have not used natural gas engines. The attraction towards these fleets is the performance similar to diesel, however, further reducing the carbon footprint. The future of natural gas engines is looking bright, with analysts predicting a 20% market penetration achievement in the Class 8 trucking sector.
The leading engine in sustainable mobility, the Cummins X15N, is a step towards a green innovation of trucking across the globe. With its great performance and cost-effectiveness, the engine aims to assist fleets in reducing harmful gas emissions, all while sourcing that gas for renewable power. Packaged as a lighter structure, fleets contain room to accommodate more cargo per trip. Sustainable across various sectors, the X15N is only the start of what is to come from Cummins, which aims to provide more fuelling infrastructure.
