Today at the Euro Bus Expo Cummins displayed the new generation of Smart Efficiency B4.5 and B6.7 engines now in production with 112 kW to 239 kW (150-320 hp) ratings to meet Euro 6 Phase-C regulations taking effect on January 1, 2017. This latest evolution of the B Series carries forward the best-in-class attributes of the current engines – but now with 10 percent higher peak torque, extended service intervals and integral stop-start capability delivering fuel savings of up to 7 percent.
Euro 6 Phase-C compliance and higher torque performance is achieved by upgrading the engine calibration software and optimising the combustion formula, without the need to change any hardware. The additional 10 percent torque takes the 4.5-litre B Series up to 850 Nm at 1200 rpm, while the 6.7-litre reaches 1200 Nm at just 1100 rpm.
This rapid rise in low-end transient response from idle to peak torque brings a significant installation opportunity, with the B4.5 now able to replace higher displacement engines in bus and coach vehicles of up to 18 ton weight. The top rated B6.7 now offers an installation reach that extends to vehicles currently using 9-litre engines at lower ratings, but looking to significantly reduce weight and costs.
Enhanced performance comes at no cost to fuel efficiency or service requirements. Field testing has demonstrated that the Euro 6 Phase-C engines are capable of achieving the same – or even lower – fuel consumption than that of current Euro 6 Phase-A engines. For both the B4.5 and B6.7, oil change intervals are extended from 1,500 hours to 2,000 hours using CI-4 Plus oil to lower the cost of operation.
“Aligned with the introduction of Euro 6 Phase-C regulations in 2017 we have taken every opportunity to enhance the performance and lower the operating cost of the B4.5 and B6.7, so that these UK market-leading engines will set an even higher benchmark in their class”, said Ashley Watton, Cummins Director – On-Highway Europe.
“Our top rated 4- and 6-cylinder B Series now offer bus and coach manufacturers the option to right-size some of their engine installations down to a lower displacement, while still retaining the low-end torque they require for acceleration and driveability.
“This is all about achieving the lowest cost of engine operation and is made possible by Cummins focus on Smart Efficiency to fully optimise engine ratings and performance characteristics to specific duty cycles, vehicle weights and the market they are used in,” added Watton.
The success of Smart Efficiency is one of the reasons why Cummins is the world’s leading supplier of diesel, stop/start diesel, diesel-hybrid and natural gas engines for passenger transport, powering over 70,000 buses and coaches in 2015. The arrival of the performance enhanced B4.5 and B6.7 for Euro 6 Phase-C now adds to that power capability.
Powering Up For Euro 6 Phase-C
The B4.5 engine provides exceptional power density for bus and coach installations with ratings from 112 to 157 kW (150-210 hp), with peak torque increased for Euro 6-C from 760 to 850 Nm. The highly durable and reliable B6.7 increases the top rating for bus applications to 224 kW (300 hp), with the top rated coach engine increased to 239 kW (320 hp), with peak torque increasing from 1100 to 1200 Nm. Engines intended for hybrid bus applications have a specially adapted calibration and configuration for both the 4.5-litre and 6.7-litre engines.
The B4.5 and B6.7 Stop/Start configured ratings are proven performers in over 1,000 buses. The system automatically switches the engine off at bus stops, door opening and traffic lights resulting in a lower fuel consumption of up to 7 percent, depending on duty cycle. The Stop/Start function also improves air quality in the vicinity of the bus and results in a better passenger experience by eliminating engine noise when boarding.
The L9 engine continues Cummins Euro 6 Phase-C power capability for buses rated up to 276 kW (370 hp) with a peak torque of 1600 Nm, ideally suited for 3-axle double deck and articulated vehicles. For coach applications, the L9 engine is available rated up 298 kW (400 hp) with a peak torque of 1700 Nm, providing exceptional durability and premium performance.
Sharing the same compact 9-litre platform is the L9N natural gas engine, providing diesel-like performance up to 239 kW (320 hp) for city applications where very low emissions and quiet operation are a priority. For a very low carbon footprint, the L9N can be run on clean, biomethane renewable gas.
A major reduction in the carbon footprint of diesel vehicles can be realised by using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) or other renewable EN 15940 Paraffinic fuels. Extensive testing has proved that HVO fuel is compatible with Cummins engines without any change to the engine and no requirement for additional maintenance.
The B Series and the L Series engines share the same electronic management system, offering a common interface for vehicle installation and service diagnostics.
