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.
