March 2, 2013 -New York - As part of their 2013 vocational engine lineup, Cummins Inc. recently displayed the forthcoming Cummins-Westport 12-liter natural gas engine at the February 2013 World of Concrete Expo in Las Vegas, NV.
Scheduled to begin limited production this April, the ISX12 G is based on Cummins ISX12 diesel engine and will offer ratings from 320 hp to 400 hp, and up to 1450 pound-feet of torque, the engine maker said. It will be certified for 2013 Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations when production begins.
Both the ISX12 G and the Cummins-Westport ISL G natural gas engine will run on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) or biomethane, the company said. The ISL G, which is also 2013 EPA-certified, is available with power ratings from 250 hp to 320 hp. The ISX12 G will have an optional engine brake and will be mated to automatic and manual transmissions, Cummins said.
The Cummins ISX12 has power ratings ranging from 310 hp to 425 hp and over 800 pound-feet of clutch engagement torque. The ISL9 has ratings from 260 hp to 380 hp.
Cummins-Westport natural gas engines use the same base engine and major components as their diesel counterparts.
According to Cummins’ website the new 12 liter ISX12 G which runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), “will suit a variety of heavy-duty vehicles, including regional-haul truck/tractor, vocational and refuse applications". With a displacement of 11.9 liters and up to 400 hp (298 kW) and 1450 lb-ft of torque, the ISX12 G is the natural choice when considering alternative fuel for demanding applications.
Featuring the same proven Stoichiometric cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (SEGR) combustion technology, spark ignition and simple Three-Way Catalyst (TWC) aftertreatment as the Cummins Westport ISL G engine, the ISX12 G delivers strong pulling power and heavy-duty durability and performance that customers can depend on.”
With CNG price per GGE (gasoline gallon equivalent) currently $1.84 to $2.74 in the Tri-State area many fleet operators are beginning to transition away from gasoline and diesel fuels and on to CNG and NGV’s (Natural Gas Vehicles). Fleet operators as well as Fleet Management companies are seeing fuel cost reduction from 35-50% including the added benefits of lower vehicle and engine maintenance costs, utilizing a domestic fuel, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 23% to 88%*, depending if the CNG is sourced from landfill gas.
* Source: CARB Fuel Pathways Analysis - Well-To-Wheels assessment of fuels
