Cummins Westport tests new heavy-duty natural gas engine

Feb. 22, 2012

Cummins Westport Inc., announced it has launched field trials on the new ISX12 G natural gas engine based on the Cummins ISX12 diesel engine platform, the newest member of Cummins heavy-duty engine family. Full production of the engine is expected to commence in early 2013.

The 12L heavy-duty, factory-built dedicated natural gas engine is targeted for North American regional haul and vocational truck/tractor, and refuse applications, where demand for natural gas vehicles is growing, according to a company press release.  Anticipated end-use applications in the regional haul market segment include intermodal and distribution operation, pickup and delivery. 

The ISX12 G will operate exclusively on natural gas (CNG or LNG) utilizing Cummins Westport’s proprietary spark-ignited, stoichiometric combustion with cooled exhaust gas recirculation (SEGR)  technology, first introduced with the 8.9L ISL G.

The new engine features three-way catalyst aftertreatment, which is packaged as a muffler and is maintenance free, the company said. No diesel particulate filter or selective catalytic reduction aftertreatment will be required, according to the manufacturer.  Preliminary specifications include a range of ratings to 400 hp. and 1,450 lbs.-ft. of torque, optional engine brake, and manual and automatic transmission capability to meet customer and original equipment manufacturer requirements. The ISX12 G will be manufactured in Cummins’ heavy-duty engine plant in Jamestown, NY.

“This is an important product development for Cummins Westport given the increasing demand for natural gas vehicles in the heavy-duty market,” said Roe East, president. “The ISX12 G will offer customers heavy-duty performance, reliability, and durability and a choice of either compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas as a fuel.”

The ISX12 G is expected to be certified at launch to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emission standards of 0.20 g/bhp-hr NOx and 0.01 g/bhp-hr PM.  The engine is additionally expected to be capable of meeting Euro VI and pending U.S. greenhouse gas and fuel economy regulations.

Partial funding in support of the ISX12 G engine development has been received from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the California Energy Commission in conjunction with the Gas Technology Institute.

About the Author

Deborah Whistler

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