Allison Transmission proudly announces that its 4500 Rugged Duty Series (RDS) fully automatic transmission has been successfully integrated with the Cummins X15N natural gas engine in Kenworth T880 tractors. This pairing sets a new benchmark for sustainable heavy-duty transportation, combining exceptional power, efficiency, and advanced technology.
Ozinga Renewable Energy Logistics has already deployed the Cummins X15N engine with the Allison 4500 RDS transmission, showcasing how sustainability and operational performance can coexist. As an early adopter of natural gas-powered vehicles, Ozinga continues to validate innovative technologies that reduce emissions while enhancing fleet efficiency.
“The lighter weight of the X15N engine, combined with the optimized performance of the 4500RDS transmission, not only enhances efficiency and performance but also increases payload capacity, reducing our total cost of vehicle ownership while supporting our sustainability objectives,” said Brian Erickson, Director of Transportation, Ozinga Energy.
“The X15N features a broader torque curve, providing better low-end torque and improved drivability, particularly in challenging conditions such as hill climbing,” said David King, Product Manager of Natural Engines, Cummins. “Additionally, the X15N is inherently lower in NOx emissions compared to diesel engines and when using renewable natural gas, it can achieve a negative carbon footprint, aligning well with customer demands for cleaner fuel alternatives.”
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The integration of Cummins and Allison technologies highlights how fleets can adopt cleaner fuel solutions without compromising performance. The combination leverages the Cummins X15N’s 500 horsepower and 1850 lb-ft of torque alongside the proven durability of the Allison 4500 RDS transmission, providing a seamless and efficient powertrain solution for heavy-duty applications.
“The Allison 4500 RDS transmission delivers the proven reliability and durability required to handle the tough duty cycles and demanding delivery schedules in heavy-duty tractor and vocational truck applications. This partnership showcases Allison’s dedication to ensuring our product seamlessly integrates with the latest technological advancements and helping customers achieve their efficiency and sustainability goals,” said Rohan Barua, Vice President, North America Sales, Global Channel and Aftermarket, Allison Transmission.
Allison transmissions are compatible with a wide range of propulsion solutions, including diesel, electric, and natural gas, giving customers flexibility to choose the energy source that best fits their operational needs. In addition to the Kenworth T880, the Kenworth L770, Peterbilt 567, and 520 models can also be equipped with the Allison 4500 RDS paired with the Cummins X15N.