Cummins’s Darlington engine plant has started producing its L9N engine, the first natural gas engine produced at the UK plant.
Produced alongside 72,000 diesel engines a year in Darlington, the 8.9 litre L9N (280 – 320hp) combines an ultra-low emissions profile for carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. The L9N can operate on compressed or liquified natural gas as well as renewable natural gas, which is said to reduce well-to-wheels carbon emissions.
Designed to meet Euro VI Phase E emissions regulations, the L9N is claimed to be in high demand from the European bus market, particularly in cities with low emission zones.
Cummins transferred production of the L9N from its Rocky Mount Engine Plant in North Carolina, USA, to provide its Europe-based L9N customers with in-region supply. This has reduced supply chain complexity and supports more sustainable operations by shortening shipping distances and times.
Ashley Watton - director, bus business Europe at Cummins, said: “Cummins' natural gas engines are a practical, readily available technology for customers seeking quiet, fuel efficient, ultra-low emissions power for urban transportation. Producing these engines locally for our European truck and bus OEM customers improves logistics and responsiveness as well as the all-round sustainability of this business."
Watton continued: “Cummins global manufacturing network means we build engines where our customers need them. Bringing L9N production to our Darlington Engine Plant will ensure we continue to deliver a high level of service to our key customers at a time of increased demand for our products, particularly in Europe. It also broadens our capabilities - producing spark ignited engines for the first time in Darlington positions us well for other low and zero carbon fuels in the future. This is enormously positive for the plant, our people, and our local economy.”