Ozinga deploys integrated natural-gas powertrain

Ozinga Renewable Energy Logistics recently deployed a Kenworth T880 tractor featuring Allison Transmission’s 4500 Rugged Duty Series (RDS) fully automatic transmission integrated with the Cummins X15N natural gas engine, demonstrating how sustainability and operational excellence can go hand in hand.

As an early adopter of natural gas-powered vehicles, Ozinga, a subsidiary of Mokena, Illinois-based Ozinga Energy, is continuing to validate emerging technologies that reduce emissions and enhance fleet performance, the company reported.

“The lighter weight of the X15N engine, combined with the optimized performance of the 4500 RDS transmission, not only enhances efficiency and performance but also increases payload capacity, reducing our total cost of vehicle ownership while supporting our sustainability objectives,” Brian Erickson, Ozinga director of transportation, said in a news release.

The successful integration of Cummins and Allison technologies demonstrates how industries can adopt cleaner fuel solutions without compromising on performance, Allison maintained. This achievement leverages the advanced capabilities of the Cummins X15N engine, with its 500 horsepower and 1,850 lbs. per ft. of torque, and the performance of the 4500 RDS transmission.

“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,” said Rohan Barua, Allison vice president of North America sales, global channel, and aftermarket. “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.”