Cummins Inc. and its Cummins Westport Inc. affiliate are offering a natural gas-fueled powertrain for heavy-duty truck manufacturers. The ISX12N+Endurant HD N powertrain is a new entry in Cummins’ Integrated power portfolio, combining the ISX12N near zero natural gas engine and the Endurant HD N 12-speed automated transmission, a product of the Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies venture.
The manufacturer emphasized the combination is well suited for heavy-duty truck fleets seeking to lower vehicle emissions.
“The ultra-low emissions of the ISX12N combined with the Endurant HD N transmission provides the optimal powertrain solution for customers working to lower their carbon footprint,” stated Thomas R. Hodek, president of Cummins Westport. “The deep powertrain integration delivers improved launch, low speed maneuverability, and smoother shifts that drivers will appreciate.”
Paired with the Endurant HD N automated transmission, the ISX12N natural gas engine is available with a rating of 400 horsepower and 1,450 lb.-ft torque, and it can operate with 100% compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG), or renewable natural gas (RNG) fuels.
The developer further noted that this combination will reduce NOx emissions by 90% compared to the current EPA standard. When operated using RNG, the system is credited with a “neutral to negative carbon index,” for net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at or below zero.
The integrated Endurant HD N automated transmission and ISX12N natural gas engine were optimized with new software functionality and calibrations. A new diaphragm spring clutch has been designed to meet the load requirements of the natural gas engine while protecting the engine for optimal performance.
The integration between the engine and transmission results in improved launch performance, improved low-speed maneuverability and smoother shifts when compared to previous natural gas engines and automated manual transmission combinations.
