Self-driving trucking software maker Plus will work with the Cummins Westport natural gas joint venture to apply its supervised PlusDrive system to a 12-liter natural gas engine, pairing what could eventually be driverless technology with a zero-emissions powertrain. Close to zero.
The Cupertino, California-based startup said the autonomous PlusDrive system actually saves fuel thanks to algorithms powered by artificial intelligence.
Plus has customers for the U.S. version of its self-driving system who want natural gas engines certified by Cummins (NYSE: CMI) for near-zero emissions. It reduces smog-causing emissions by 90% compared to current EPA standards for the air pollutant NOx.
Natural gas engines run on renewable natural gas (RNG) made from farm and food waste and methane captured from landfills, and can produce zero net negative emissions.
“Our collaboration with Cummins enables us to offer this sustainable solution to our customers and other fleets,” Sean Kerrigan, co-founder and chief operating officer, told FreightWaves.
Modified trucks in 2022
Plus expects the modified trucks to be operating with safety drivers in 2022. It will run a Level 4 program that requires human intervention in some conditions. But they are constantly monitored by an alert safety driver to take over operation of the truck if necessary.
The collaboration applies to a Cummins Westport ISX12N natural gas engine combined with an Endurant HD N 12-speed automated transmission from the Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies joint venture. The 12-cylinder engine is often used in regional Class 8 freight traffic.
“Working with Cummins on this truly purposeful product is a natural extension of our long-standing partnership,” Kerrigan said in a press release.
“Cummins engines can power nearly every type of vehicle and application globally, so integrating natural gas powertrains for autonomous driving applications is a logical next step to provide customers with Solutions that match their specific business requirements.”
Plus will begin mass production of its PlusDrive system this summer. It plans to roll out the supervised autonomous trucking system globally across the US, China, Europe and other parts of Asia. PlusDrive is being tested in China by large fleet operators.
Plus previously announced that it would work with European company IVECO to install self-driving software in trucks in China, Europe and elsewhere. They will also explore using IVECO’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine system to power jointly developed autonomous trucks.
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Click for more FreightWaves articles by Alan Adler.
