Cummins Darlington produces first L9N engine

Cummins L9N natural gas engine

Cummins Darlington Engine Plant has manufactured its first L9N natural gas engine. This is the first engine of its type to be produced at the plant in its 58-year history.

Producing between 280 and 320 hp, the 8.9 L L9N combines diesel-like performance and reliability with an ultra-low emissions profile for CO2, NOx and particulate matter.

The engine can operate on compressed or liquified natural gas (CNG, LNG). It can also use renewable natural gas, which can significantly reduce well-to-wheel carbon output.

Cummins transferred production of the L9N from its Rocky Mountain Engine Plant in North Carolina to support European customer demand. The move was completed in six months, supported by a ‘significant investment’ at the Darlington plant.

The engine shares many components with the Cummins L Series engines. This has means the Ln9 can be assembled on the same manufacturing lines.

The L9N is Euro 6 Phase E compliant. Key customers include European bus manufacturers looking to deliver vehicles which can operate in low-emission zones.

“Cummins global manufacturing network means we build engines where our customers need them,£ said Ashley Watton, director, Bus Business Europe. “Bringing L9N 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.

“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.”