Cummins New Fuel-Agnostic X Series Platform Brings Low-To-Zero Carbon Fuel Capability To IAA

Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) at the IAA Transportation exhibition showcased the new fuel-agnostic X Series platform with hydrogen, biogas and advanced diesel engines offering low-to-zero carbon fuel capability. The next generation 15-litre and 10-litre displacement X Series is designed to accelerate the decarbonization of heavy-duty, long-haul truck fleets while able to meet proposed ultra-low emission levels, including Euro VII regulations expected to take effect in 2027.

“With Cummins all-new X Series platform, we are taking the internal combustion engine to a next generation level, capable of meeting future ultra-low emission standards together with a low-to-zero carbon fuel capability to help put fleets on a lower cost path to decarbonisation,” said Alison Trueblood, Cummins Executive Director – On-highway Business Europe.

The fuel-agnostic architecture of the 15-litre X Series utilises a common base engine with cylinder heads and fuel systems specifically tailored for the X15H to use carbon-free hydrogen and for the X15N to use biogas with up to 90 percent carbon reduction. With X15H ratings up to 530 hp (395 kW) and X15N ratings up to 510 hp (380 kW), they are ideally suited for trucks up to 44-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW). The X15 advanced diesel has ratings up to 650 hp (485 kW) for the most demanding heavy-haul duty cycles.

The next generation X10 diesel engine with up to 450 hp (335 kW) output extends heavy-duty robustness down to a 10-litre displacement, offering low weight and a compact installation for vehicles across the 26-to-44 ton GVW range focused on maximizing payload, as well as low-cab trucks for urban operations. The X10 design incorporates a similar fuel-agnostic capability to that of X15, with the potential to offer hydrogen and biogas versions.

“Equally impressive as the environmental credentials of the X Series are a significant increase in power density and a more compact installation envelope providing truck manufacturers with the opportunity to enhance their vehicles. A further benefit of the X15 and X10 engine is a modular architecture for global applications, in terms of adapting to vehicle configurations, varying emission regulations and customer preferences,” added Trueblood.

A key design feature of the new X Series platform is a Double-Overhead-Camshaft (DOHC) realizing significant advances in combustion and thermal efficiency. Friction losses across the engine design have also been reduced and a sculpted block contributes to weight saving. The DOHC design also enables a more efficient integral engine brake to be accommodated.

X10 Looks Towards Euro VII

The X10 features the latest evolution of Cummins XPI fuel system with extra-high pressure injection and a new electronic wastegate turbocharger enabling fuel savings of up to 7 percent compared to equivalent Euro VI engines today, dependent on duty cycle. Heavy-duty performance is also reflected with a peak torque of 2300 Nm, improving engine response and vehicle drivability.

Across a 320-to-450 hp (240-335 kW) ratings range, the X10 will meet anticipated Euro VII ultra-low emission levels with the new Heavy-Duty Compact Cross (HDCC) aftertreatment system developed by Cummins for enhanced emissions reduction. HDCC is a modular system incorporating dual-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) together with a twin-dosing system for precision injection of the AdBlue emissions reduction fluid into the exhaust gas, at both upstream and downstream positions.

Next Generation X15 Series

The X15H hydrogen engine with direct-injection, lean-burn combustion will be available with ratings from 400-to-530 hp (298-395 kW) and a peak torque of 2600 Nm. Running on zero-carbon green hydrogen fuel, the X15H will be able to offer a truck operating range of over 1000 kilometres in combination with a 700-bar pressure high-capacity fuel storage system. H2-ICE powered heavy-duty trucks will be able to fully refuel in just 15 minutes.

The X15 advanced diesel features Cummins latest XPI ultra-high pressure fuel injection system and will offer a broad power range of 450-to-650 hp (335-485 kW) with an impressive 3200 Nm peak torque. 

For truck applications powered by renewable biogas, the X15N will offer ratings extending from 400-to-510 hp (298-380 kW) with a peak torque of 2500 Nm available.

Using an LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) high-storage capacity system, a heavy-duty tractor is capable of achieving a range of over 1000 kilometres. Very low noise is a further benefit of the X15N, particularly for when operating in urban areas.