Cummins Predicts Huge Growth in Natural Gas Engines

Cummins Inc. anticipates a significant increase in the adoption of its new 15-liter natural gas engine for heavy-duty and on-highway applications. The engine addresses previous concerns about low power and torque, running on potentially net-zero carbon renewable natural gas (RNG). Cummins’ fuel-agnostic strategy, starting with natural gas and expanding to hydrogen and other fuels, has garnered attention from OEMs and large fleets. The X15N engine offers 400-500 horsepower and 1,450 to 1,850 pound-feet of torque, comparable to diesel but with a smaller carbon footprint. The engine is part of a transitional solution as natural gas serves as a lower-carbon alternative to diesel. Cummins plans to phase out its 9-liter engine and 12-liter natural gas offerings, emphasizing the potential growth of the natural gas engine market. The company’s 2050 goal is zero emissions in its engines, recognizing the evolving landscape toward a multi-technology environment and sustainable choices.

‘“I’m not saying that this market will go 80% natural gas. But it’s no longer a niche,” Jose Samperio, Cummins’ executive director and general manager, North America On-Highway, told FreightWaves. “It becomes more mainstream for long-haul applications.”’

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