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Cummins Introduces Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Powertrain

When paired with the Endurant HD N automated transmission, the ISX12N natural gas engine can operate with 100% compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas or renewable natural gas.

March 8, 2021
Cummins Introduces Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Powertrain

When paired with the Endurant HD N automated transmission, the ISX12N natural gas engine can operate with 100% compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas or renewable natural gas.

Photo: Cummins

2 min to read


Cummins announced that the ISX12N+Endurant HD N natural gas powertrain is now available for heavy duty customers. The powertrain is a combination of the ISX12N near zero natural gas engine and the Endurant HD N 12-speed automated transmission from Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies.

When 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 can operate with 100% compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas or renewable natural gas. This reduces smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions by 90% compared to the current Environmental Protection Agency standard.

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When operated using RNG, the system is credited with a neutral to negative carbon index, resulting in net greenhouse gas emissions at or below zero.

“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,” said Thomas Hodek, president of Cummins Westport, in a press release. “The deep powertrain integration delivers improved launch, low speed maneuverability, and smoother shifts that drivers will appreciate.”

The new Endurant HD N automated transmission was optimized for integration with the ISX12N natural gas engine and features new software functionality and calibrations, and a new diaphragm spring clutch designed to meet the load requirements of the natural gas engine while protecting the engine.

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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, Cummins officials said.

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