Cummins set to debut new smart connected engine in Cascadia

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Updated Dec 6, 2020
The X15 Performance Series gets a fuel economy boost of up to 2% over the prior generation.The X15 Performance Series gets a fuel economy boost of up to 2% over the prior generation.

Cummins on Wednesday announced the release of its first connectivity-enabled X15 Efficiency series engine and new Endurant HD powertrain for Freightliner’s Cascadia.

The debut enables Freightliner customers to take advantage of Cummins’ factory-installed engine computing module, Acumen, which connects to Cummins’ technology platform for direct access to digital apps, over the air product enhancements and future service integrations.

Cummins Engine Business OEM Leader Rob Neitzke said the X15 Efficiency series with Acumen enables Cummins to get ahead of future maintenance and service needs, “as well as provide faster access to our Connected Solutions and other digital features as they become available.”

The new smart powertrains with Acumen and Endurant HD allow improved fuel economy and drivability through EX powertrain ratings, according to Cummins. Features such as On-Ramp Boost ‒ which uses GPS to sense when a truck is entering an on ramp, then temporarily trades fuel economy for maximum torque to reduce the time needed to get to merging speeds ‒ apply predictive services and geographic data for increased fuel economy, reduced trip times, and intuitive performance characteristics while keeping driver comfort and safety top of mind.

Engines with Acumen can securely communicate information through cellular connectivity and provide both Cummins and Freightliner with a deeper understanding of how vehicles operate in different environments and various duty cycles. The new insights will be used to enhance machine learning and deliver more customized products and services, with a focus on personalized solutions that increase uptime, reduce total cost of ownership, and optimize engine performance.

Cummins began manufacturing connected power solutions with Acumen in August, starting with the X15 Efficiency series, with plans to expand Acumen into other select engine and power system models in the near future. The Acumen brand will designate Cummins products that include their own connectivity hardware ‒ with both first-fit or aftermarket solutions expected to come to market in most of its key industries.