Kenworth has announced that it will offer the Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero NOx emissions natural gas engine for the Kenworth T680 and T880.

Emissions from the ISL-G Near Zero natural gas engine are 90% lower than the current NOx limit of 0.2 gram per brake horsepower-hour, and meet the 2017 EPA greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements. The new engine achieves this reduction through the introduction of advanced engine calibration, a unique maintenance-free, three-way catalyst after-treatment system, and a closed crankcase ventilation system, the company said.

“The Kenworth T680 and T880 equipped with the ISL-G Near Zero emissions engine is well suited for regional haul, vocational and refuse fleets focused the reduced environmental impact of natural gas use and reducing their operating costs,” said Jason Skoog, Kenworth’s assistant general manager for sales and marketing.

The 8.9-liter Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero comes with ratings up to 320 HP and 1,000 lb./ft. of torque. The engine can operate on 100% natural gas, which can be carried on the vehicle in either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) form. The ISL-G Near Zero is also compatible with renewable natural gas (RNG) which allows for even further reductions in GHG emissions, according to the company.

The new engine will become available in the Kenworth T680 and T880 in early 2017.