USA – Drivetrain manufacturer, Cummins Inc of Columbus, Indiana and Allison Transmission Inc, a gearbox and e-axle manufacturer based in Indianapolis, Indiana, have successfully completed field tests of the new Cummins X15N 15-litre natural gas engine in combination with Allison’s 4000 Series fully automatic transmission. This testing took place with Sandman, a bulk cement hauling company, and involved over 50,000 miles (80,467 kms) of real-world operation. The results showed significant improvements in fuel efficiency, engine braking, and power during shifting, making the combination ideal for heavy-duty operations.

The X15N engine, being 500 lbs (226 kgs) lighter than its diesel counterpart, contributes to both fuel savings and emissions reductions, while Allison’s 4000 Series transmission, equipped with FuelSense 2.0 software, offers up to 6% in additional fuel savings. This pairing is seen as a versatile solution for fleets aiming to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on performance. The collaboration reflects a growing trend toward alternative fuel engines as the trucking industry moves toward stricter emissions regulations and electric vehicle adoption​.