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.

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
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.
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.
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.
More Equipment

How Volvo Updated Its D13 for EPA 2027 [Watch]
Volvo’s updated D13 promises lower emissions without sacrificing performance or fuel economy. Take a closer look at what changed inside the engine in this HDT Spotlight video.
Read More →
Michelin Tire Improves Efficiency and Durability for Regional Fleets
The Michelin X Multi Energy D2 is a regional haul drive tire engineered to help fleets improve fuel efficiency, durability and traction in demanding stop-and-go operations.
Read More →
ZF Expands Commercial Vehicle Push in North America
ZF is expanding its North American commercial-vehicle presence with new transmission applications, electrification, trailer technology and autonomous-driving systems.
Read More →
Tesla Wants a Self-Driving Semi. Are Cameras Enough?
Could Tesla’s camera-only autonomous driving technology work on an 80,000-pound Semi? In this commentary, HDT's Deborah Lockridge takes a look at Tesla, Cybercab, and how autonomous trucks see the road.
Read More →
Kodiak: Driverless Long-Haul Truck Launch on Track for 2026
Kodiak AI says its driverless long-haul safety case is 93% complete and it remains on track to begin commercial operations by year-end 2026.
Read More →
What DOT’s Automated Vehicle Strategy Means for Trucking
The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a new automated-vehicle strategy that outlines plans for driverless-truck regulations, cross-state freight corridors, and federal safety standards.
Read More →
East Coast Port Launches $45M Electric Truck Push
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced millions in incentives for zero-emission drayage trucks, yard tractors, and new charging hubs near the port.
Read More →
PlusAI Going Public to Fund Autonomous Truck Launch
A SPAC deal could provide PlusAI with up to $300 million as it works toward a 2027 commercial launch of factory-built autonomous trucks.
Read More →
NHTSA Moves to Rewrite Truck Fuel-Economy Rules
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it lacks authority to regulate medium- and heavy-duty truck engines separately from complete vehicles, but the existing standards have not yet been eliminated.
Read More →
Detroit Opens Orders for EPA 2027 Engines
Detroit isn’t starting from scratch to meet EPA 2027 diesel emissions standards. Its Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines keep much of today’s platform while updating the fuel and aftertreatment systems.
Read More →
