Cummins’ shows multiple-fuel engines at IAA

Cummins joined the IAA’s major exhibitors with the theme of decarbonising, highlighting its ability to satisfy the need for multi-fuel combustion engines and fuel-cell electric drive powertrains.

Destination Zero is Cummins’ strategy to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) and air quality impacts of its products and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

“With Destination Zero, we are working to reduce emissions today, advancing engine-based solutions and investing in the right technologies at the right time,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins President and Chief Executive Officer.

“With a deep understanding of our customers, we’re working to decarbonise our industry in a way that is best for all stakeholders.

“We have deep knowledge of our end-markets and applications, each of which has unique technical, performance and service demands.

“We know how to adapt existing and new technologies into products that meet our customers’ needs, are economical and further the transition to zero-emissions solutions,” she added.

Cummins is pursuing a dual-path approach, by reducing emissions from internal combustion engines, while simultaneously investing in new, zero-emissions products. The company spends approximately US$1billion per year on research and development of future technologies.

Cummins’ approach incorporates well-to-wheels emissions reductions, by matching technology readiness to infrastructure readiness and affordability.

Cummins displayed its fuel agnostic platform, using the new X15 engine in a display that illustrated its multi-fuel capabilities. Cummins’ fuel agnostic platform is a range of diesel, natural gas and hydrogen internal combustion engines derived from a common base.

The display X15H hydrogen-fuel engine was fitted with a spark-ignition cylinder head that could be replaced by a different spark-ignition head for use with bio-gas fuel, or with a compression-ignition head for use with hydrogenated vegetable oil fuels.

Company representatives pointed out that this technology is available now to reduce emissions, with products that OEMs, fleet managers and operators are familiar with.

As well as the option to further reduce emissions with low- and zero-carbon fuels, renewable natural gas and hydrogen, the platform offers OEMs common engine architecture across multiple fuel types with a high degree of parts commonality.

With a background of almost 700,000 Euro VI, low-emission engines supplied, Cummins displayed its next-generation advanced diesel platform, complete with new compact after-treatment system. The IAA-featured engine was the new 450hp, 10-litre, Euro VII version.

This brand-new product line is designed to meet multiple emissions standards, including the stringent Euro VII that mandates virtually zero NOx and particulate matter (Pm), plus lower CO2, while providing significant improvements in power and torque.

We’ve already written about the Mercedes-Benz Atego display truck on the Cummins show stand that was powered by a B6.7H hydrogen engine. This truck is the first fruit of a deal signed with Daimler Truck in 2021, for future engine co-operation between Cummins and Daimler.

Cummins claims the H2-ICE truck retains the performance and payload of a diesel-powered truck and uses a conventional driveline, offering a lower-cost technology path to fleet decarbonisation.

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At a press conference held during the IAA September 2022 show, Dr Andreas Gorbach, Daimler’s head of truck technology and member of the board, said that the arrangement with Cummins was working very well, as shown by the IAA concept truck.

Dr Gorbach said that Daimler Truck paired with Cummins because this engine specialist maker is likely to be “the last man standing” in the combustion engine sphere.

Dr Gorbach said that hydrogen combustion engines have an efficiency advantage over fuel cells in high-load applications.

He promised news of a significant heavy-duty Cummins engine release in conjunction with Daimler Truck in late 2022, or early 2023. Our bet is that it will be the Euro VII 10-litre diesel, with agnostic fuel options, including hydrogen.

Cummins’ compact fourth generation fuel cell and upgraded battery packs showed that the company is not focused only on multi-fuel combustion developments, but is at the forefront of fuel-cell technology as well.

Cummins already has more than 2000 fuel cells with customers and the latest 135kW development is said to provide improved power density, efficiency and durability. Fitment is available in single- and dual-module cells for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

The new fuel cell is undergoing on-road testing in the USA.

Greatly expanding Cummins’ ability to satisfy engine to wheel powertrain demands was its recent acquisition of Meritor, a leading global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking and electric powertrain technologies.

Together, Cummins and Meritor are developing economically viable, decarbonised powertrain solutions. A Meritor e-axle designed to suit Europe’s dominant 4x2 prime mover market was displayed on the Cummins stand at the IAA, in conjunction with the latest Cummins fuel cell and battery pack.

Cummins representatives pointed out that Destination Zero will look different in different applications and regions of the world. Driving factors of the pace of the transition include energy source decarbonisation and infrastructure investment, regulatory advancements and customer acceptance.

“Our planet faces a tremendous challenge as we recognise the realities of climate change,” said Jennifer Rumsey.

“That is why we are taking action now and investing in a broad range of technologies to fuel industry decarbonisation.

“Not only is this the right approach for our business, but it is critical for our planet and future generations,” concluded Rumsey.