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Cummins debuts X15N engine in Europe
Manufacturer’s global goals for engine become clearer
Maged Tadros and Amy Davis of Cummins. (Keiron Greenhalgh/Transport Topics)
Key Takeaways:
- Cummins debuted its X15N heavy-duty natural gas engine in Europe on Sept. 14 at IAA Transportation in Hannover, Germany.
- The X15N offers up to 500 horsepower and 1,850 pound-feet of torque while operating on natural gas or biomethane.
- Cummins has not opened European orders for the X15N and no EU truck manufacturers have announced plans to offer the engine.
HANNOVER, Germany — Cummins debuted its X15N heavy-duty natural gas engine in Europe on Sept. 14, marking the latest step in the Columbus, Ind.-based manufacturer’s push beyond diesel powertrains.
The engine maker, which has offered the X15N in North America for the past two years, showcased the natural gas-powered version of its largest truck engine at IAA Transportation, the Western world’s largest truck show.
Cummins has not yet opened its European order book for the X15N, and no truck manufacturers have announced plans to offer the engine to customers in the European Union, Maged Tadros, executive director of global on-highway pickup and fuel delivery systems, told Transport Topics on the sidelines of the conference.
“The X15N, which fits where the 13-liter engine fits, brings proven heavy-duty natural gas technology to customers who are looking for another option that can be deployed today. It offers diesel-like performance and can operate on natural gas or biomethane, depending on the market and available infrastructure,” Tadros told reporters during a briefing.
Cummins also showcased its B7.2 and X10 engines to European customers for the first time at IAA.
The company began testing the X15N with U.S. fleets in 2023. Early participants included Walmart and Werner Enterprises.
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Cummins has offered the X15N in North America for two years. (Cummins Inc.)
Walmart, the nation’s largest private-sector employer, ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest private carriers in North America. Werner Enterprises ranks No. 19 on the TT Top 100 for-hire carriers list.
The X15N is available with ratings up to 500 horsepower and 1,850 pound-feet of torque, allowing fleets to haul loads exceeding 80,000 pounds.
Freightliner and Paccar offer the engine in North America. Industry observers viewed Freightliner’s decision to make the X15N available in the Cascadia, its flagship on-highway model, as a key milestone for adoption of natural gas-powered trucks, particularly among advocates of renewable natural gas.
