Cummins Westport Develops New Heavy-Duty Gas Engine (Canada)

Cummins Westport Inc., announced the ISX12 G, a 12 litre heavy-duty, factory built dedicated natural gas engine for regional haul truck / tractor, vocational and refuse applications.

The new ISX12 G is currently in field trials with full production expected to commence in early 2013.

The ISX12 G natural gas engine is based on the Cummins ISX12 diesel engine platform,the newest member of Cummins heavy duty engine family. 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 8.9 litre ISL G.

The ISX12 G features three-way catalyst aftertreatment, which is packaged as a muffler and is maintenance free. No diesel particulate filter or selective catalytic reduction aftertreatment will be required. Preliminary specifications include a range of ratings to 400 hp and 1,450 lb-ft 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, New York.

“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 of Cummins Westport. “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 target markets at launch are North American regional haul and vocational truck/tractor, and refuse applications, where demand for natural gas vehicles is growing. Anticipated end-use applications in the regional haul market segment include intermodal and distribution operation, pickup and delivery. Potential post-launch market opportunities include motor coach and specialty vocational applications.

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.

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LNG World News Staff, February 21, 2012