Cummins Introduces Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Powertrain

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.