Werner to Validate Cummins 15-Liter Natural Gas, Hydrogen Engines
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Werner Enterprises and Cummins Inc. announced Werner will begin validation and integration of Cummins’ recently announced 15-liter natural gas and 15-liter hydrogen internal combustion engines in its vehicles.
Cummins will begin integrating these new powertrains in Werner regional and longhaul Class 8 trucks in the second half of the year, starting with the 15-liter natural gas product, according to the Columbus, Ind.-based company.
For the engine itself, there may be some crossover into vocational applications, mainly heavy hauling and logging. It depends on the full powertrain integration and the transmission it ultimately is paired with, a Cummins spokesperson told Transport Topics.
@Cummins is making a splash!
Our hydrogen internal combustion engine (ICE) development is one of the latest steps we've taken towards advancing zero-carbon technology.
What's next for hydrogen ICE development? You'll have to read more to find out! https://t.co/9AEk72eJ2x — Cummins Inc. (@Cummins) January 27, 2022
Cummins offers a range of powertrain options from advanced diesel, natural gas and hydrogen to electrification.
“The next-generation Cummins powertrains will provide a clear path to transition towards a zero- emission future,” Srikanth Padmanabhan, president of engine business, said in a release.
Werner Enterprises ranks No. 17 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.
Werner Enterprises Chairman and CEO Derek Leathers. (Werner Enterprises via Twitter)
“The options Cummins is providing align with our long-standing focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” Werner Chairman and CEO Derek Leathers said.
Werner in July published its inaugural corporate social responsibility report that follows the recognized standards from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board. It now is a reporting company under the SASB framework on its website.
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It also launched WernerBlue, a branded sustainability endeavor.
The 15-liter natural gas engine, announced in October, can be paired with a Cummins Eaton Automated Transmission Technologies Endurant HD Transmission and Cummins Fuel Delivery System, ensuring a purpose-built and fully integrated natural gas powertrain. Other transmission pairings will be available at launch for specialized applications.
The 15-liter engine will offer ratings up to 500 horsepower and 1,850 pound-feet of torque, while not requiring selective catalytic reduction to meet 2024 California or Environmental Protection Agency emission standards, providing a potentially carbon-negative solution when powered with renewable natural gas.
Host Seth Clevenger, fresh from CES, discusses autonomous and electric trucks with Joe Adams of Kenworth and Cheng Lu of TuSimple. Hear a snippet above, and get the full program by going to RoadSigns.TTNews.com.
Hydrogen engines offer OEMs and end-users the benefit of adaptability by continuing to use familiar mechanical drivelines with vehicle and equipment integration, Cummins noted. This mirrors current powertrains while continuing to provide the power and capability for meeting application needs.
Additionally, the 15-liter hydrogen engine can use zero-carbon green hydrogen fuel, produced by Cummins-manufactured electrolyzers. The projected investment in renewable hydrogen production globally will provide a growing opportunity for the deployment of hydrogen-powered fleets utilizing either Cummins fuel cell or engine power, according to the company.
“These collaborations allow us to refine and optimize our technologies to make the shift to zero-emissions commercial transportation solutions across diverse markets much more quickly,” said Amy Boerger, Cummins vice general manager for North America.
