Cummins Inc. announced the development of an engine and powertrain that, according to Cummins, reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 80% compared with a baseline gasoline-powered medium-duty truck. The work was jointly funded by Cummins in partnership with the California Energy Commission (CEC).
“The Cummins ETHOS engine, developed through a research partnership with CEC, clearly demonstrates that by combining innovative engine design and combustion approaches with low-carbon alternative fuels, we can determine a path to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” said Wayne Eckerle, Cummins vice president—research and technology. “Cummins produces industry-leading emissions-controls technologies and products, and we continue to explore new ways to make our company stronger and our customers more successful, while reducing our environmental footprint. We are very appreciative of the CEC’s funding participation in this important effort.”
The Cummins ETHOS 2.8L is designed specifically to use E-85, a clean-burning blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It delivers the up to 250 HP and peak torque up to 450 lb.-ft. of gasoline and diesel engines nearly twice its 2.8-liter displacement.
The Cummins ETHOS 2.8L engine also incorporates an integrated stop-start system. In stop-start mode, the engine shuts down after the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the brake pedal remains depressed. As the driver’s foot is lifted from the brake, the system automatically starts the engine to seamlessly allow acceleration from the stop.