Cummins officials announced the company’s B6.7N natural gas engine has
now been certified as meeting 0.02 NOx (nitrites of oxide) emissions levels,
giving the company another natural gas engine that meets near-zero emissions
requirements.
“This is a big deal for us,”
said Tom Hodek, director of sales, marketing and new product development for
Cummins Westport, the company’s natural gas joint venture with Westport. “These
are optional levels. The current [Environmental Protection Agency] standard is
0.2 grams.”
The announcement was made
Tuesday evening at the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. Cummins also
announced several new enhancements to its L9N medium-duty engine.
On the natural gas front,
Cummins now offers the ISL-G, ISX12N, L9N and B6.7N, all certified at 0.02, the
level that California is proposing all engines should meet. That level is 90%
lower than currently-required EPA levels.
“From an emissions
standpoint, you are not going to find a cleaner engine on the market today,”
Hodek said.
The company’s natural gas
engines also offer plenty of power, with horsepower range extended out to 400.
Engines are used in a variety of applications, Hodek said, including yard
spotters, buses, street sweepers and regional haul.
Paccar, Volvo/Mack and
Freightliner offer Cummins natural gas engines in their vehicles. The company
sells about 5,000 units annually in the U.S., Hodek said.
“The natural gas engine
lineup fits in really well with our diesel products,” explained Rob Neitzke,
executive director of North America OEM business for Cummins. “It’s about
choice.”
Cummins offers diesel,
natural gas and electrified engines.
The B6.7N also features
onboard diagnostics, as well as a maintenance-free three-way catalyst, closed
crankcase ventilation system and a new engine control module. It is rated up to
240 horsepower with 560 lbs.-ft. of torque.
Both the L9N and B6.7N will
get three-year unlimited miles base warranties for 2021.
