Wuhan, November 5, 2024 – Cummins China, in collaboration with its joint ventures such as Dongfeng Cummins, officially launched the new generation of 2.5L and 3.0L light-duty engine platforms at the Cummins East Asia R&D Center. The new generation of light-duty diesel engine platforms meet the China National VI B emission standards and the Fuel Consumption Stage 4 regulations, while significantly enhancing reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance. Following the introduction of the National VI standard light-duty platform in 2019, Cummins continues to innovate, once again leading the way in upgrading light truck powertrains and offering new solutions to meet the diverse needs of customers.
Li Kaiguo, former Chairman of the China Automotive Engineering Research Institute and Supervisor of the China Society of Automotive Engineers, along with representatives from leading domestic light-duty truck logistics fleets, industry media, and the Cummins China team, witnessed this important milestone.
In the context of China’s dual carbon targets, the light-duty truck industry is undergoing profound changes in powertrain transformation. Domestic sales of new energy light-duty trucks continue to rise, and many cities have introduced policies encouraging users to switch to new energy light trucks.
However, as a tool for production, light-duty trucks are used in a wide range of practical scenarios, and a single solution cannot meet all needs. In certain specific applications, diesel-powered trucks are not limited by terrain, weather, or infrastructure, and can operate continuously in all weather conditions. Additionally, in fields that require high power and reliability—especially in situations involving frequent starts, acceleration, heavy-load hill climbing, and cold chain transport with both driving and cooling requirements—diesel-powered light-duty trucks still have a relative advantage.
Against this backdrop, Cummins remains committed to innovating and making breakthroughs in the traditional energy power sector, collaborating with three joint venture partners to jointly create the next generation of light-duty power platforms that meet Stage 4 fuel consumption requirements and provide low-carbon, efficient power options for light truck users.
“Diesel light-duty trucks, through continuous innovation and upgrades, will continue to play an indispensable role for some time to come. Whether facing the diversification of market demands or meeting the specific requirements of regional customers, light-duty diesel engines still have a valuable presence in both time and space,” said Li Kaiguo. “When there is customer demand, it requires companies like Cummins, which are deeply engaged in the market, to continue investing in R&D, upgrading products, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements to achieve lower emissions and meet the diverse power needs of customers.”
Since the debut of light-duty engines in China in 2009, Cummins light-duty engines have been at the forefront, winning the trust of a wide range of users with their excellent performance. Based on success in the domestic market, Cummins has also expanded into global markets, including Europe and North America. As of now, more than 2 million units of Cummins light-duty four-cylinder diesel engines made in China have been sold worldwide, earning the trust of major OEMs and end-users.
Guided by the zero-carbon goals, Cummins, based on its local FFA2.0 (Customized Applications) strategy and deep market insights, has collaborated with three major domestic OEM partners for joint innovation. Leveraging the solid manufacturing foundation of its joint ventures and Cummins’ unique century-long diesel technology heritage, the company launched the new generation of 2.5L and 3.0L light-duty engine platforms after three years of meticulous development. This platform adopts the Smart Brain (CBM2.0) technology, achieving an excellent balance of fuel consumption, reliability, durability, economy, and power, providing users with a more efficient and lasting power experience.
“With the launch of the new generation light-duty platform, Cummins’ low-carbon power product line is further enhanced, covering products from 2.5L to 15L that all meet the Fuel Consumption Stage 4 standards,” said Wang Kaijun. “We firmly believe that good products must withstand the test of the market. The new generation light-duty engine platform not only maintains excellent performance and reliability but also significantly improves fuel efficiency, which will bring lower operating costs and higher economic benefits to customers.”
The New Generation of Cummins Engine Platforms
Comprehensive Improvement in Reliability, Economy, and Power
Reliability
- 25,000 hours of bench testing and over 3 million kilometers of full-vehicle road testing.
- Multiple rounds of extreme conditions testing, including high temperatures, high altitudes, and low temperatures.
- A total of 1,200 hours of overboost pressure experiments.
- Integration of the new generation Cummins Remote Intelligence Service System, improving uptime through proactive service and remote diagnostics.
Economy
- Engine fuel consumption reduced by 8%, combined with vehicle fuel consumption optimization, the overall fuel economy improvement can reach 15%.
- Smart Brain (CBM2.0) technology, combined with the IAT intake throttle valve design, accurately controls fuel consumption and improves fuel economy.
- Exceptional low-speed torque delivers greater low-speed horsepower, 11% higher (2.5L) to 18% higher (3.0L) compared to peers.
- Peak cylinder pressure increased from 165 bar to 200 bar, boosting pressure resistance.
- Weighing between 266kg and 274kg, the lightweight design provides better economy with the same power output.
Power
- Lightweight, high torque, significantly increased power output (2.5L @136kW, +22%; 3.0L @155kW, +44%).
- Wide peak torque range (1200rpm – 2900rpm).
- Instantaneous response greatly improved, providing stronger starting and overtaking power.
- Optimized vehicle powertrain for quick starts, fast acceleration, strong hill-climbing ability, and high-efficiency transportation.
Furthermore, the core components of the new generation 2.5L and 3.0L engines have also been fully upgraded.
Cummins Emission Treatment System
The new generation single-tube after-treatment system features a simplified design, smaller size for easier installation on various vehicle models, and lighter weight to assist with overall vehicle weight reduction. The new mixer further improves SCR conversion efficiency; the optimized packaging structure reduces back pressure, aiding in fuel consumption reduction; new carrier coating technology enhances low-temperature performance, effectively improving fuel economy.
Cummins Engine Components and Software System
The newly launched HE150 WG turbocharger is tailored for the new 2.5L and 3.0L platforms. The new widened flow slot design and full aerodynamic upgrades result in a 5% increase in overall turbocharger efficiency, improving fuel economy. The turbine blades and turbine housing flow passages have been redesigned to improve high-cycle fatigue life by approximately 10%, extending service life while improving fuel economy. The compressor shell inlet silencer, flow rectifier, and backflow control technology optimize for quieter operation, while the new sealing system design significantly enhances leak resistance.
These new-generation engines will be installed in Dongfeng and other light-duty truck models and gradually introduced to the market, providing users with more efficient and reliable power solutions.
