Benefits of natural gas engines in transportation

Truck on road

Reducing air pollution generated by commercial vehicles is one of the many benefits of natural gas engines. Nested in a valley in the French Alps, the town of Chamonix is known for breathtaking vistas of Mont Blanc, for being the birthplace of modern mountaineering, and, unfortunately, for its terrible air quality. Emissions from passing vehicles are to blame. The town sits by a major road tunnel used by more than a half million heavy vehicles, every year.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the exhaust from all these vehicles could be cleaned up? Chamonix’s residents would appreciate it. So would the countless millions who live in polluted cities.

Natural gas engines use reliable technology

One sure technology to reduce air pollution already exists—natural gas engines. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles with natural gas engines are operating all over the world. They generate almost no emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, or carbon monoxide. Transit systems all over the world have deployed natural gas buses to reduce air pollution.

Natural gas engines are also a great fit for a wide variety of medium and heavy-duty applications, such as garbage collection trucks, delivery trucks and tractor trailers. Natural gas engines have been around for a long time. They are durable, reliable and they have enough power to get the job done.

Natural gas engines are kind to the environment

Natural gas vehicles can help fleets reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to a well-to-wheels model developed by Argonne National Laboratory, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles were shown to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 16% compared to an equivalent vehicle running on gasoline. These well-to wheel models incorporate emissions occurring as a result of the extraction, processing and transportation of fuels.

Natural gas vehicles can also run on renewable natural gas. Renewable natural gas is manufactured using organic waste such as animal manure, sewage sludge or agricultural by-products. Once it is suitably refined, renewable natural gas can be used interchangeably with regular natural gas. Depending on the energy source, the carbon intensity of renewable natural gas can be neutral, or even sub-zero. Switching to renewable natural gas is a great way for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and lower transportation emissions. It can often be done without any capital investment. It’s also a way to act now without waiting for technology that may not be available for several years.

Natural gas presents additional environmental benefits. For example, natural gas can’t spill since it’s lighter than air. It can’t puddle or lead to ground contamination like an oil spill would. You can read more about these often-overlooked benefits of natural gas engines in environmental sustainability.

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Natural gas engines are good for the business financials

Natural gas vehicles can also lead to big savings for businesses. Unlike some vehicles with diesel engines, natural gas vehicles do not require extensive exhaust aftertreatment systems. Many operators spend a lot of time and money maintaining these systems. Secondly, natural gas fuel costs less than gasoline and diesel. In some areas, the retail price of natural gas is less than half of the price of diesel. Natural gas prices are also stable—in North America, average retail prices have remained relatively stable for the past 20 years. This makes it easy for fleets to forecast their monthly and yearly fuel costs.

Switching to natural gas vehicles can also help businesses grow their revenues. Natural gas vehicles reduce transportation emissions, which is an attractive benefit for companies looking for lower carbon options that can help them meet corporate sustainability or ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals.

Natural gas engines are noticeably quieter than diesel engines, making them an attractive option for service companies, delivery fleets, transit companies and school corporations operating in urban environments. For example, garbage collection companies or private school bus operators bidding for city contracts.

Natural gas engines are the mature, proven, and least disruptive alternative power technology available today

Natural gas vehicles fit current transportation, people and goods movement models. Integrating natural gas trucks into your fleet doesn’t require radical changes in vehicle technology, transportation infrastructure or support networks. Natural gas engines share approximately 80% of the same components as their diesel counterparts, making it easier for mixed fleets to keep parts in stock and easier to train service technicians.

If interested in different fuels, don’t forget to explore natural gas (CNG), LPG, LNG, RNG, and diesel.

The natural gas learning curve isn’t as steep as many people think

When it comes to integrating natural gas vehicles into a commercial or municipal fleet, Cummins Inc. is a trusted partner with more than 30 years of experience making natural gas engines. We maintain deep relationships with channel partners to help customers understand whether natural gas is the right choice for their fleet. We also work directly with the truck OEM, fuel suppliers, fleet maintenance teams, etc. to ensure a smooth integration.

If these benefits sound interesting to you, don’t forget to also check our answers to frequently asked questions about natural gas engines. These answers cover topics such as cost, practicality, and feasibility of integrating natural gas into commercial fleets.

Drivers like driving natural gas trucks

Did you know that drivers prefer the experience of operating natural gas vehicles? You can learn why by reading about how natural gas and diesel engines compare.

Puneet Singh Jhawar

Puneet Singh Jhawar

Puneet Singh Jhawar is the General Manager of the global natural gas business for Cummins Inc. In this role, he is responsible for the product vision, financial management and overall performance of the natural gas business. Over his 14-year career at Cummins, Jhawar has cultivated successful relationships with a number of Cummins’ largest customers. Jhawar has extensive global experience, with roles based in the Middle East, India, Europe and the US.

Why you should become a Cummins Home and Small Business dealer

Cummins dealer smiling next to home generator

For more than 100 years, Cummins Inc. has been dedicated to making people’s lives better by powering a more prosperous world. As a company, we seek to be customer-driven, innovative, responsible, and trustworthy so that we can truly make a difference now and in the future.

But exactly what does Cummins do? At a high level, we create power solutions. You’ll find Cummins products and solutions for on- and off-highway engines, turbochargers, electronics, fuel systems, generators and power systems, and more. We’re not in this on our own, though. With a broad network of Cummins-authorized dealers in the home and small business power solution space, we count on our independent dealers and their local relationships. If you’re interested in becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, keep reading to find out the benefits and how to get started.

Does Cummins make Home Generators and Small Business generators?

Yes, Cummins offers generators that are sufficient for residential homes and small businesses, including:

  • 13-20 kW air cooled emergency standby generators
  • 25-150 kW liquid cooled emergency standby generators
  • 9,500-watt portable, dual fuel heavy duty generators
  • 2,500-4,500-watt portable, lightweight inverter generators
  • 300-1,000-watt portable lithium battery powered power stations

In the midst of severe weather, increased blackouts, and aging power grids, generators are becoming more and more important. Consider this: 83% of power outages were the result of weather-related incidents from 2000 to 2021.

When these outages occur during extreme temperatures, generators are critical to keeping homes and businesses comfortable, safe, and operational. Families won’t have to worry about losing their heat or everything inside their refrigerators. Businesses won’t have to worry about the potential financial impact that comes with an outage—which can be as much as $12,500 a day for a small business. 

All of these reasons are likely why search terms like “Cummins generator dealers near me” are so popular on Google and other search engines. Local people are consistently looking for the right generator solution. Cummins-authorized dealers can help ensure they have the power they need, no matter what.

What are the benefits of being a Cummins Generator Dealer for Home and Small Business?

Of course, if you’re thinking about becoming a Cummins-authorized dealer, the fact that there’s a market isn’t the only perk. Here are eight more reasons why you should become a Cummins-authorized Home and Small Business generator dealer.

  1. You’ll be backed by the Cummins brand, a name that’s synonymous with support, reliability, and sustainability. Cummins generators are quality, trustworthy equipment that you and your customers can count on.
  2. You will receive state-of-the-start training. Cummins provides courses and the certification path required to become a Cummins-authorized partner and product expert. Our technical training and certifications provide knowledge on Cummins home generator service like installation, maintenance, and repair.
  3. You can connect to a robust network of Cummins resources. Our dealers have access to a world-class set of tools, including training, a dedicated account executive, an online portal, sales and training certifications, and so much more.
  4. You’ll receive “preferred parts” pricing. By becoming an authorized dealer, you’ll get the best parts pricing around so you can maximize your profits. You can also pass these savings on to your customers to ensure your pricing is competitive.
  5. You can capitalize on marketing support. Cummins regularly invests in brand-building and lead generating campaigns to drive customers to our dealers. 
  6. You have access to warranty claim submission. Warranties don’t have to be a hassle for you or your customers. As an authorized-service dealer, you can submit warranty claims on behalf of your customer to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. 
  7. You can join the ChannelOne Partner Rewards Program. This competitive rewards program helps you maximize your earning power.
  8. You can list your company on the Cummins Parts & Service Locator. The Cummins service locator makes it easy for local customers to connect with your business, and it increases your overall brand visibility.

How to become a Cummins Dealer: It’s easier than you think

Stop missing out on all of the local online traffic searching for “Cummins authorized dealer near me,” and bring great products to your community! It takes just four simple steps to get started.

  1. Complete the online “Become a Dealer” interest form. A regional Cummins Account Executive will contact you to start the discussion.
  2. Share additional information about your business, your experience, and why you’re interested in becoming a Cummins dealer.
  3. Fill out and return the necessary paperwork to be processed by the Cummins team.
  4. Complete your required product training and become a Cummins Home and Small Business Dealer.

At Cummins, our company is dedicated to providing great products and services to customers throughout the world. If you’re ready to join our world-class network, get started now.

How do I calculate what size generator I need?

Customers talking to Cummins dealer

There are several great reasons why you might be considering a standby generator for your home or small business. In the event of a power outage (caused by severe weather, for example), having a standby generator helps ensure ongoing safety and comfort. And in the case of a business, the ability to reduce downtime and maintain operations is a significant advantage.

Standby generators—also known as permanent or whole-house generators—offer reliable and efficient backup power solutions for a wide range of applications. If you’re currently exploring your options, we imagine you have a few concerns. You’re probably looking for a generator that’s sold and serviced by a reputable company, and want to determine the right generator capacity for your needs.

In this article, we’re going to help you answer a key question: “What size generator do I need to run my house or small business in the event of a power outage?” Keep reading for an overview of how to find the perfect Cummins Inc. standby generator for your needs.

What is the rule for generator sizing?

When it comes to understanding generator sizing, one important rule to keep in mind is that the generator needs to be able to power everything requiring electricity, but it also needs to have additional capacity to account for various appliances’ starting wattage. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where your generator simply won’t cut it, potentially leaving your home or small business without the power it needs.

Next, we’ll cover a basic framework for calculating your power needs.

How to Calculate Standby Generator Size

Here’s a simple, three-step process for assessing your needs and priorities, understanding generator sizes, and finding what size generator is going to work best. 

Let’s take a look at what this process looks like.

Step 1: Understanding Generator Sizes

Here’s a basic formula for how to calculate standby generator size:

  1. First, create a list of everything in your home or small business that would need to be powered by the generator in case of an emergency. This should include anything that requires electricity and isn’t something you would want to go without should you lose power. It’s important to not only consider running wattage, but starting wattage as well—since most appliances will require a few seconds’ worth of extra wattage to get started. There are several online sources for determining appliances’ wattage requirements.
  2. Add together each item’s running watts. When in doubt, err on the side of overestimating wattage requirements since it’s much better to have a little more power available than is needed as opposed to having to adapt to a generator that lacks sufficient power.
  3. Then, to roughly account for starting wattage, add the single-highest starting watts figure to the total.
  4. To ensure a margin of safety—and to account for potential future needs—you should multiply that figure by at least 1.25. The resulting number is the minimum generator capacity you should consider.

You can also use our home generator sizing calculator to estimate your power needs.

Step 2: Assessing Your Needs

It’s important to understand your priorities. While getting the right size and type of generator that fits your budget are important, it’s also important to consider how you intend to use the generator.

  • Will it need to be capable of maintaining enough power for your home or small business in case of an emergency?
  • Do you envision having a permanently-installed generator, or is portability important?

How you answer these questions should help provide context for the next step: exploring generator sizing and zeroing in on the perfect product for your needs.

Step 3: Finding the Right Generator

In addition to the generator size calculator, our online buyer’s guide to home generators is a great starting point for exploring your options. Cummins offers three main types of standby generators suited for a home or small business:

  • Permanently-installed 13-20 kW air-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Permanently-installed 25-150 kW liquid-cooled home standby generators that can be powered up when needed. 
  • Heavy-duty, gasoline- or propane-powered 9,500-watt dual fuel portable generators that can provide backup power for a home or small business. 

Cummins: Reliable and Affordable Standby Power Solutions

At Cummins, we build versatile, high-quality standby generators for homes and small businesses. Don’t let their quietness fool you—they’re powerful and reliable. 

When you’re ready to explore your options, you can reach out to request an on-site assessment. One of our authorized dealers will help you assess your needs, evaluate different generator types and capacities, and understand how much a generator might cost to have installed.

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