Fuel engine, component and technology manufacturer Cummins announced Dec. 2 its first connectivity-enabled “smart engine” release for Freightliner trucks.
Available in the Cascadia product line, the X15 Efficiency series engine and new Endurant HD powertrain come factory installed with the Cummins’ engine computing module, Acumen. The platform allows direct access to digital apps, product enhancements and future service integrations.
“We’re investing heavily in our technology and we are thrilled to launch our most advanced and connected engine with Freightliner,” Rob Neitzke, engine business OEM leader, stated. “The X15 Efficiency series with Acumen allows us to better support Cummins customers over the life of their vehicle. The X15 with Acumen enables us 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.”
Features such as On-Ramp Boost are included in the Cascadia offerings. On-Ramp Boost uses GPS to sense when a truck is entering an on-ramp and reacts by temporarily trading fuel economy for maximum torque to reduce merging speed times. The feature applies predictive services and geographic data to increase fuel economy, reduce trip times and provide intuitive performance characteristics, Cummins stated.
“The Freightliner Cascadia, paired with Cummins’ Acumen-enabled X15 Efficiency engines, will provide a great experience for customers while boosting their bottom line,” stated Ryan Major, Daimler Trucks North America’s on-highway segment product manager. “We’re making it easier for customers to start using Cummins’ remote engine monitoring, reporting, calibrating and servicing solutions with first-fit connectivity, while expanding over-the-air programming capabilities to all of our Cascadias.”
Engines with Acumen will be able to securely communicate information through cellular connectivity and provide Cummins and Freightliner with a deeper understanding of how vehicles operate in different environments and varying duty cycles, the company stated.
The new insights will be used to enhance machine learning and deliver customized products and services, with a focus on solutions that increase uptime, reduce total ownership cost and optimize engine performance.
Cummins began manufacturing connected power solutions with Acumen in August, with plans to expand Acumen into other select engine and power system models in the near future.
