Natural gas, other ICE trucks on the rise at ACT Expo

A historic turnout at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Anaheim, California has been met with a big showing of natural gas trucks powered by Cummins new X15N. 

For the show’s 14th year, Class 8 trucks equipped with the Cummins X15N natural gas and diesel engines have outnumbered their zero-emission counterparts.

According to organizers, at least six trucks equipped with the X15N were planned for display from April 28 to May 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center. A variety of OEMs and fuel providers made the choice to feature the engine. Additionally, six diesel trucks are on hand plus a hybrid powertrain concept at Cummins' booth specified with its 2027 X15 complemented by batteries from Accelera™ by Cummins. The exhibitor showcases for Class 8 tallied 12 trucks with internal combustion engines (ICEs) and nine zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), six of which are all-electric and three hydrogen fuel cells. 

Cummins’ new X15N natural gas engine with the lowest emissions of all market-ready Class 8 ICE powertrains stands to gain the most attention among fleets and owner-operators aiming to slash emissions with diesel-like power and a national fuel network. 

When paired with widely available renewable natural gas, companies can benefit from the X15N’s carbon-negative profile and a big bore engine that can handle challenging long-haul routes with up to 500 horsepower and 1,850 lb.-ft. torque. 

"I think there's going to be more truck companies showing the X15N and natural gas solutions than probably ever before. We've come to a bit of a tipping point here," said Lawren Markle, director of media relations for ACT Expo. 

Markle added that ICE technologies that continue to improve fuel economy are bringing value to fleet goals of emissions reduction. 

“The fuel economy piece is really interesting because you don't tend to lump that in with the decarbonization strategies, but it sure is,” he said. 

Bigger show with more possibilities

Markle said this year's show will be their largest with attendance expected to reach 15,000 with roughly 500 exhibitors and sponsors. The agenda includes more than 300 speakers, with the keynote address delivered by Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey. Class 1 - 8 commercial vehicles and supporting products will spread out over one million square feet inside the Expo Hall. 

This year's annual event coincides with news from Cummins and Daimler Trucks North America. The two announced orders have opened for fifth generation Freightliner Cascadia trucks with Cummins X15N. 

"The X15N opens up natural gas to a new customer base and many existing natural gas customers are enjoying the additional power and torque available in the new big bore engine. The offering with Freightliner will bring more choice to the market as additional fleets look to add natural gas to their lineups," said Lyndon Jones, Vice President of Engine Business North American Sales & Customer Support at Cummins Inc.

David King, Cummins Product Manager for Natural Gas Engines, suspects the latest Freightliner will get plenty of attention at the show.   

"The announcement of the X15N in the new Cascadia is really exciting, adding to the OEM chassis availability," King said. "Fleets have been asking about that option for some time. Some of the first ones will be at ACT Expo." 

King is scheduled to appear in Cummins' booth to talk with fleets and owner-operators about the X15N. Those looking for a more hands-on experience with the natural gas big bore can check out Chevron's Peterbilt 579 at the Ride and Drive on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

"There is a lot of interest and discussions on the X15N," King said. "Fleets are engaging with us and bringing in the fuel providers to really pencil out the greenhouse gase and economic value natural gas brings to their fleet." 

Trucks equipped with the Cummins X15N natural gas engine will be featured at several locations throughout the event. Displays include:

• Daimler Trucks North America at Booth 5241, showcasing a Freightliner Cascadia
• Hexagon Agility at Booth 6558, with a Kenworth T880
• Kenworth at Booth 6540, presenting a Kenworth T680
• Penske at Booth 5620, featuring a Freightliner Cascadia
• Clean Energy at the front entrance between Halls C and D, displaying a Peterbilt 579
• Chevron at the Ride & Drive area outside the rear exit of Halls A and B, with a Peterbilt 579

Cummins’ hybrid concept will be found in booth 4525 along with the Cummins HELM™ 15-liter platform portfolio.