Natural Gas Truck Engines Could Reduce Fuel, Maintenance

Cummins Inc. is set to introduce a new full-size truck engine called the X15N that runs on natural gas by the middle of next year. This engine is part of Cummins’ next-generation X15 fuel-agnostic platform, with diesel and hydrogen variants to follow later. The X15N engine is designed with spark-ignition technology, using an inductive ignition system similar to those found in gasoline engines. This technology offers a more straightforward aftertreatment system compared to diesel engines, resulting in potential savings in aftertreatment maintenance costs.

The engine utilizes a unique cylinder head for cooling and a spark ignition system. It employs a passive three-way catalyst system, eliminating the need for DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) injection or regenerations. The X15N engine is designed to be more efficient for day-to-day use, where most users charge their electric cars at home overnight, adding about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour to their home electric bill. Over 80% of people in the service area charge their vehicles overnight at home, which offers a significant cost advantage. Slower public charging stations are also more economical, charging around 20 to 30 cents per kilowatt-hour or even being free in some cases.

‘”This is the first engine on the next-generation X15 fuel-agnostic platform. Diesel and hydrogen will follow later,” said David King, Cummins’ North American on-highway product manager, natural and renewable gas engines. He explained that the new platform provides internal parts that are common below the head gasket. “The natural gas engine will have a unique cylinder head for the necessary cooling, a spark ignition system, etc.” The new engine has advanced, leaned-out architecture, he added.”‘

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