Cummins Westport Natural Gas Engine Gets ’18 Emissions Certifications

Cummins Westport Inc. has received certifications from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) for its 2018 ISX12N natural gas engine. Like the Cummins Westport L9N engine, the ISX12N meets California’s optional Low NOx standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr, a 90% reduction from engines operating at the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr. The ISX12N also meets 2017 EPA greenhouse gas emission requirements.

The company said all of its 2018 engines are now certified to the Low NOx standards and that the ISX12N is the first Class 8 truck engine for large heavy-duty vehicles to certify to the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional standard, providing the trucking industry with a near-zero emissions solution.

Based on the ISX12 G, first introduced in 2013, the ISX12N natural gas engine will be available with ratings from 320 to 400 hp and up to 1450 lb-ft. of peak torque. Like Cummins Westport’s new L9N and B6.7N engines, the ISX12N will have a new engine control module with improved durability, on-board diagnostics, an enhanced, maintenance-free three-way catalyst, and a closed crankcase ventilation system.

The ISX12N is designed for line haul, regional haul, refuse, and vocational trucks, as well as motor coach and commuter buses. Production is expected to begin in February.

“Cummins Westport’s 2018 product line offers customers ultra low emissions with reliable performance,” said Bart van Aerle, president, Cummins Westport. “The ISX12N near-zero emissions natural gas engine provides truck and bus customers with an industry-leading alternative fuel option for demanding applications.”

The engines offer customers the choice of using compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or renewable natural gas (RNG) as a fuel. RNG is pipeline-quality natural gas produced from the decomposition of organic waste, which can come from a variety of sources such as dairy farms and landfills.