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The End of Diesel? This truck brand has started producing engines powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Published 04/10/2024 às 09:35
engine, diesel, trucks, natural gas
Photo: Reproduction

The end of diesel? A truck brand has started producing engines powered by CNG and LNG, promising to revolutionize the heavy-duty transportation sector. See how this change could impact the future of fuels in trucks.

The automotive industry, especially in the heavy transport sector, is increasingly committed to environmental sustainability. Recently, the Kenworth, a renowned truck manufacturer, announced a innovation significant in this field: the new Cummins X15N natural gas engine. The engine promises to have a long-distance range similar to that of diesel.

The trend is for this engine to be lighter than diesel engines. This advancement not only promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also ushers in a new era of efficiency for trucks heavy, combining power and sustainability process.

The new Cummins X15N – the future of trucks

engine, diesel, trucks, natural gas

The engine Cummins X15N is the first 15-liter on the market to operate with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ou Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Equipped to deliver between 400 and 500 hp and up to 1.850 lb.-ft. of torque, the X15N stands out for delivering performance similar to that of traditional diesel engines, but with less environmental impact.

That makes the X15N an attractive option for short, medium and long distance operations, expanding its use across a wide range of applications.

Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s assistant general manager of sales and marketing, said: “We are excited to soon begin production of Kenworth trucks powered by the Cummins X15N natural gas engine. This new engine offering will be a great alternative solution for customers looking to reduce emissions without sacrificing power.".

Emission reduction and compliance with stringent standards

One of the X15N's main attractions is its ability to meet stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions requirements and CARB 2024 Low NOx standards, which regulate nitrogen oxide emissions.

Compared to Cummins’ 12-liter engines, the X15N delivers up to 10 percent better fuel economy and is the first large-scale solution to meet these standards. Kenworth became the first major manufacturer to adopt this CARB-compliant technology.

José Samperio, Cummins Vice President for North America, highlighted: “The X15N delivers the performance, durability and power needed for a variety of heavy-duty applications, making it an excellent alternative for fleets looking to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.".

Flexible Fuel System and Refueling Infrastructure

engine, diesel, trucks, natural gas
Kenworth T680

Trucks equipped with the X15N engine have the option to choose between several natural gas fuel systems.

Customers can choose from factory configurations with either the Hexagon Agility CNG/RNG system or the Cummins Clean Fuel Technologies system.

Additionally, there are options for fuel mounted on the chassis and body, providing flexibility and autonomy to vehicles, with storage capacity of up to 175 gallons of diesel equivalent (DGE).

The natural gas refueling infrastructure is also robust and growing. In the United States, for example, there are more than 1.500 CNG refueling stations, in addition to the possibility of private installations in businesses and garages.

These options help keep fuel costs stable, especially for fleets that return to base daily, eliminating the need to rely on public stations.

Economic benefits and sustainability of the X15N

In addition to promoting a significant reduction in emissions, the Cummins X15N was developed to maximize truck uptime.

With remote monitoring capabilities, real-time calibration and other digital capabilities, the engine aims to minimize downtime and keep operations running smoothly.

Additionally, it is equipped with a maintenance-free three-way aftertreatment system, further simplifying its use and reducing the total cost of ownership.

From a sustainability perspective, the X15N delivers a 90% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, meeting today’s most stringent standards. When powered by Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), the engine has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 97%, an impressive feat that reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability.

More advantageous than Diesel

engine, diesel, trucks, natural gas

The use of natural gas in trucks offers several advantages compared to diesel, mainly with regard to sustainability and economy.

Natural gas emits less carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, contributing significantly to reducing the carbon footprint.

Additionally, the cost of natural gas tends to be more stable and, in many cases, lower than diesel, allowing fleets to save on fuel costs in the long run.

Another important advantage is the reduction in noise, as natural gas engines operate more quietly, making them ideal for urban areas and regions with noise restrictions.

Adaptation and integration with modern technologies

The Cummins X15N is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing service networks, enabling a smooth transition for companies looking to adopt this new technology. The engine is compatible with automated transmissions such as the Eaton Cummins Endurant and the Cummins Clean Fuel Technologies fuel delivery system, resulting in a fully optimized powertrain.

Additionally, the X15N features advanced connectivity, offering remote diagnostics and over-the-air software updates.

Digital tools like Cummins Guidanz help with maintenance and workflow management, providing a more streamlined and productive service experience.

Partnerships and initiatives for the expansion of Natural Gas in transportation

To further enhance the positive impact of the X15N, Cummins and Kenworth have partnered with several fuel companies and suppliers to encourage the widespread adoption of natural gas.

With the support of companies like Hexagon Agility, which develops CNG/RNG fuel systems for heavy-duty trucks, the refueling infrastructure continues to expand, facilitating access to natural gas and promoting its use.

Eric Bippus, vice president of Hexagon Agility, commented: “For the past two decades, Kenworth has been instrumental in delivering clean fuel solutions for heavy-duty truck fleets. Together, we are driving the adoption of affordable sustainability solutions.”

The future of trucking

With a range of economic, environmental and operational benefits, the Cummins X15N is poised to play a critical role in transitioning heavy-duty transportation to a more sustainable future.

Cummins’ strategy to create a global, fuel-agnostic engine platform, which will eventually include diesel and hydrogen, signals an ongoing commitment to innovation and emissions reduction.

By combining fuel efficiency, operational flexibility and compliance with the most stringent environmental standards, the X15N sets a new standard for heavy-duty truck engines. This technology not only offers an immediate solution for reducing emissions, but also paves the way for future innovations in the heavy-duty transportation sector.

Construction of the first natural gas engine has begun

Cummins has announced the start of full production of the X15N natural gas engine at its Jamestown, N.Y., plant.

The X15N is the first 15-liter engine designed to operate on natural gas, offering flexibility for a variety of heavy-duty applications, such as freight and service trucks.

The engine has been extensively field tested prior to full production, demonstrating good performance for customers.”This engine is performing well as it is integrated into our customers' operations.“, said Lyndon Jones, executive director of North American highways for Cummins Inc. According to him, the full production will allow more engines to be used in customer trucks, helping to reduce emissions efficiently.

Before reaching full production stage, the X15N underwent rigorous testing with some of the largest line haul, regional haul and vocational fleets in North America. These evaluations took place under challenging operating conditions, highlighting the robustness and reliability of the engine.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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