Cummins Inc. used the quadrennial occurrence of leap day to host their “Leap Ahead” news conference, where the company demonstrated its next big innovations. Chief among them was the next generation X15 diesel engine, which Cummins says will be its most fuel efficient heavy-duty diesel engine ever, and will be compliant with U.S. EPA and CARB 2027 regulations at launch. The X15 is also part of Cummins’ fuel agnostic platform—which uses one engine that can be spec’d to run on diesel, natural gas or hydrogen, through minimal design changes.

Cummins says the current generation X15N (running on natural gas) offers up to 500 HP, and comes paired with an Eaton Cummins Endurant transmission. The company says this, along with Cummins-Meritor drive axles, make up the integrated powertrain that can be installed on new-order Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks, and will be available on Freightliner trucks in 2025.

When asked if Cummins has partnered with companies for spec’ing trucks with CNG fuel systems, the engine OEM noted that it has a joint venture with Cummins Clean Fuel Technologies, meaning it will be involved in both the manufacturing and spec’ing expertise that group brings to the table. Cummins added that it also works closely with Hexagon Agility—a supplier of CNG fuel solutions.

Additionally, Cummins focused on its HELM initiative, a so-called “loose acronym” for High Efficiency, Lower emissions, Multiple fuels. HELM is the branding Cummins is using for new engine projects including the B-series, X10 and next gen X15 platforms.

“The industry is changing,” said Brett Merritt, vice president for on-highway engines at Cummins. “Those of use who’ve committed to leading through the next couple of decades are preparing to see some of the largest changes, not just in our careers, but in generations.”