The Cummins Westport L9N natural gas engine is now available with Kenworth’s T680, T880 and T880S trucks.
The L9N engine is certified to the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) optional low NOx standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr, representing a 90% reduction from engines operating at the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr, says Kenworth. In addition, the L9N features on-board diagnostic capability, a “maintenance-free” three-way catalyst, a closed crankcase ventilation system, and an engine control module with enhanced durability.
The T680, T880 and T880S offer the 8.9-liter L9N rated at 320 hp and 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine operates on 100% natural gas, which can be carried on the vehicle in either compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG) form. The engine is also compatible with renewable natural gas (RNG), which can provide even further reductions in GHG emissions, notes Kenworth.
“The Kenworth T680, T880 and T880S specified with the Cummins Westport L9N near-zero emissions engine are ideal for pickup and delivery, vocational, and refuse fleets focused on reducing their environmental impact and decreasing operating costs,” states Kurt Swihart, Kenworth’s marketing director.
It seems that the L9N with 320 hp / 1,000 lb-ft torque is a bit small for these larger class 8 KW.
President Trump could be a great proponent for natural gas in trucking. Notwithstanding its lower cost to use and the jobs that this industry creates, it makes the USA more energy independent. It shows that the USA has a better plan than remaining in the Paris Climate Agreement.
Other countries around the World have been using CNG in the trucking industry for years .