1 Cummins Inc. Rev. 9.12.11 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Cummins EPA 2010 Heavy-Duty and MidRange 

Engines and Products 

THE RIGHT PRODUCTS AND THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

1. For EPA 2010, what is Cummins Heavy-Duty engine offering? 

Cummins ISX15 meets the 2010 EPA standards with a totally integrated, driverfriendly engine system that delivers better fuel economy with better performance 

and better reliability. The 2010 ISX15 features our exclusive XPI fuel system, the 

proven VGTTM Turbocharger and Cummins Aftertreatment System that includes 

our proprietary SCR technology. In addition, the ISX15 also incorporates all of 

the advances from the last 10 years, including the best-in-class 600-bhp 

IntebrakeTM system, Load-Based Speed Control (LBSC), Gear-Down Protection 

(GDP) and all the programmable parameters that allow customers to customize 

vehicle performance. 

In addition to the ISX15 for 2010, Cummins has introduced the brand new 

ISX11.9. The ISX11.9 is a compact engine replacing the 11 liter ISM. The 

ISX11.9 utilizes common architecture and subsystems with the ISX15 and due to 

its strong pulling power, excellent throttle response and strong clutch 

engagement torque, it is ideally suited for vocational applications as well as LTL 

applications and specialty markets. 

2. What is Cummins MidRange engine offering for EPA 2010? 

For EPA 2010, Cummins offers the ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9 for medium-duty 

applications. Customers will notice very few changes to the MidRange base 

engines as compared to pre-2010 engines. In fact, customers can expect the 

same great performance as 2007 engines, coupled with best-in-class fuel 

economy and even better product reliability for 2010.

Cummins MidRange engines feature the VGTTM Turbocharger, the fully 

integrated Cummins Aftertreament System, and a common ECM across the 

platforms. In addition, the ISB6.7 features the HPCR fuel system that delivers a 

precise mixture of fuel and air at constant pressure, regardless of engine rpm. 

The ISC8.3 and ISL9 feature the Cummins XPI fuel system – the same 

technology that is used on the ISX15 – that is capable of multiple injection events 

per cycle at ultra-high injection pressures. With both the HPCR fuel system and 

the XPI fuel system, customers will enjoy an optimal balance of performance, 

emissions control and fuel economy. 
2 Cummins Inc. Rev. 9.12.11 

In addition to the ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9 for EPA 2010, Cummins also offers a 

natural gas alternative, the 8.9L ISL G. The advanced alternative fuel engine 

technology of the ISL G met the EPA 2010 emissions standards in 2007, three 

years prior to legislation going into effect. To do so, the ISL G utilizes 

stoichiometric cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) combustion, leveraging 

Cummins proven EGR technology to create a high-performance natural gas 

engine without compromising power and torque. 

3. How is Cummins approach to meeting EPA 2010 standards 

different/better than other engine manufacturers? 

Cummins unique capability allows for a complete package that includes a highly 

capable base engine coupled with the integration of core technologies for fuel 

systems, air handling, filtration, electronic controls and exhaust aftertreatment for 

both particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Only Cummins has 

the key component technologies in-house. 

4. What exactly is Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)? 

SCR technology uses a reactant called Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and a 

catalytic converter to significantly reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. 

5. What is Cummins product experience with SCR? 

SCR technology is not new to Cummins. In 2006, Cummins launched its 

MidRange engines certified to the Euro 4 standard using SCR for commercial 

vehicle applications in Europe. Cummins has built and shipped over 140,000 

SCR based engines to date. Cummins Emission Solutions has built and shipped 

over 380,000 SCR systems. 

Prior to full production in January 2010, Cummins had accumulated significant 

experience in Europe and in North America. In fact, more than 80 Cummins field 

test customers logged more than 8 million miles of testing in real-world 

applications. 

6. What are the benefits of Cummins technology solution to meet EPA 

2010 regulations? 

Fuel Economy is a significant advantage of Cummins technology choice to meet 

EPA 2010 standards.
3 Cummins Inc. Rev. 9.12.11 

■ The Cummins Heavy-Duty ISX15 delivers fuel economy up to 6% better than 

the industry-leading 2007 ISX, and in some cases even more. Compared to 

an EGR-only solution, the ISX15 delivers up to 10% better fuel economy. 

■ The Heavy-Duty ISX11.9 has comparable fuel economy to its predecessor, 

the ISM. 

■ Cummins Midrange product line up, including the ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9, 

delivers fuel economy improvements of up to 3% better than the 2007 

MidRange line-up. When compared to MidRange engines with EGR-only 

technologies, Cummins MidRange engines deliver up to 20% better fuel 

efficiency and are competitive with other SCR-based solutions. 

 

Beyond fuel economy improvements, there are many other customer benefits 

with Cummins technology: 

Performance. Cummins Heavy-Duty and MidRange products deliver better 

power and torque than 2007 engines without an increase in displacement. 

Engine Model Horsepower Range 

ISX15 400 – 600 Hp 

ISX11.9 310 – 500 Hp 

ISL9 345 – 380 Hp 

ISL G 250 – 320 Hp 

 ISC8.3 250 – 380 Hp 

ISB6.7 200 – 360 Hp 

Driveability. The ISX15 has a “sweet spot” that’s 3 times larger than the 2007 

ISX providing easier driveability and producing optimal fuel economy and 

performance. 

Reliability. When it comes to reliability, experience matters. For Cummins, 

experience is derived from millions of miles of product testing that occurs in more 

than 230 test cells around the world, as well as through millions of miles of realworld engine use. In fact, Cummins has produced more than 140,000 engines 

utilizing SCR, more than 380,000 SCR systems, 650,000 diesel particulate filters, 

1 million cooled EGR engines and 3 million VGTTM Turbochargers that are in use 

in a wide variety of applications, geographies, and climates around the world. 

And, customers are enjoying the benefits of Cummins experience through 

improved reliability over our industry-leading 2007 products. 
4 Cummins Inc. Rev. 9.12.11 

7. What is the value of the fuel economy improvement to a Cummins 

customer? 

Heavy Duty Truck Example: 

Assuming 6 mpg as the base case, at 120,000 miles per year and diesel fuel at 

$3.00 per gallon, every 1% improvement in fuel economy is worth roughly $600 

per truck per year. Therefore, for example, a 6% improvement would be worth 

approximately $3,400 per truck per year.

1% Fuel Economy Improvement 6% Fuel Economy Improvement

Fuel 

Savings 

$ Savings 

CO2

Savings 

Fuel 

Savings 

$ 

Savings 

CO2

Savings 

1 Heavy Duty 

Truck 

198 gallons $594 2 tonnes 

1,132 

gallons 

$3,396 

11.45 

tonnes

100 Heavy Duty 

Trucks 

19,800 

gallons 

$59,400 200 tonnes 

113,200 

gallons 

$339,600 

1,145 

tonnes 

Medium Duty Truck Example: 

 Assuming 8 mpg as the base case, at 25,000 miles per year and diesel fuel at 

$3.00 per gallon, every 1% improvement in fuel economy is worth $93 per truck 

per year. Therefore, for example, a 3% improvement would be worth $273 per 

truck per year. 

Note: 1 gallon fuel = 22.3 pounds of CO2. 1 metric tonne = 2,204.62 lbs 

8. What is the impact on maintenance intervals? 

Primary engine maintenance intervals remain unchanged for EPA 2010 engines. 

With the addition of the SCR system on all Heavy-Duty and MidRange engines, a 

new DEF filter will need to be maintained at a 200,000 mile interval. 

1% Fuel Economy Improvement 3% Fuel Economy Improvement

Fuel 

Savings 

$ Savings 

CO2

Savings 

Fuel 

Savings 

$ Savings

CO2

Savings 

1 Medium Duty 

Truck 

31 gallons $93 0.31 tonnes 91 gallons $273 0.92 tonnes 

100 Medium Duty 

Trucks 

3,100 

gallons 

$9,300 31 tonnes 

9,100 

gallons 

$27,300 92 tonnes 
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ISX15 and ISX11.9 include the Aftertreatment Dosing Injector that needs to be 

maintained at a 150,000 mile interval. 

9. Is there any impact on the Diesel Particulate Filter operation on EPA 

2010 products? 

Cummins improved DPF passive regeneration capability on 2010 products, due 

to the NOx reduction capabilities of SCR. This results in a reduced need for 

manual stationary regenerations and contributes to the improved fuel economy of 

the EPA 2010 engine line-up. 

CUMMINS AFTERTREATMENT SYSTEM 

1) What makes up the Cummins Aftertreatment System? 

There are four major components: 

2) What is Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)? 

DEF is a 32.5% strength urea-water solution. 

 

3) How much DEF will be required? 

DEF consumption is 2 - 3% of fuel consumption dependent on vehicle operation, 

geography, and climate. 

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) 

Catalyst 

Cummins Particulate Filter 

Decomposition Reactor 

DEF Dosing Valve 
6 Cummins Inc. Rev. 9.12.11 

4) What size DEF tank is required on a vehicle? 

The DEF tank size and location is determined by the vehicle manufacturer/OEM. 

However, Cummins has provided installation guidelines to the OEMs and 

recommended that the DEF tank size be at least 6% of the fuel tank volume (i.e. 

if the fuel tank is a 300 gallon tank, the DEF tank should be at least 18 gallons) 

In general, the DEF tank size for a medium duty application is typically 5 – 15 

gallons. For a heavy-duty application the tank size is generally 15 – 25 gallons. 

5) What happens if the vehicle runs out of DEF?

Aftertreatment Systems that use DEF have two indicators on the dash that alert 

the driver to the quantity of DEF on board. First, there is a new DEF gauge very 

similar to a fuel gauge that indicates the level of DEF (i.e. full, half, quarter, etc.). 

Second, there is a new DEF low level warning lamp that illuminates when the 

DEF tank has less than 10% DEF remaining. 

DEF indicator lamps are designed to illuminate when there is only 10% DEF left 

in the tank. The lamp will flash when the level drops below 5%. There will be a 

reduction in engine torque performance if the DEF level drops below 2.5% and, 

the vehicle will be limited to 5 MPH maximum speed when started up if the DEF 

is allowed to go empty. 

If the vehicle has not been keyed-off, the engine will continue to operate when 

the DEF has run empty, but the engine power and torque are significantly 

reduced. 

Carrying a 1-gallon jug of DEF to top-off the tank will enable operators to drive an 

additional 200 to 300 miles (322-483 km), so they can get to a refill location. 

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) - Properties and Handling Guidelines 

1) Does DEF freeze? 

Yes. DEF begins to freeze at 12° F (-11° C). The Cummins Aftertreatment 

System with SCR is designed to provide heating for the DEF tank and supply 

lines which reduce the melting time for frozen DEF. 

2) How do I keep DEF from freezing? What happens if DEF freezes in the 

tank on the vehicle? 

During vehicle operation, the SCR system is designed to provide heating for the 

DEF tank and supply lines. 
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If DEF freezes when the vehicle is not in operation, start up and normal operation 

of the vehicle is not inhibited. Heated lines in the SCR system are designed to 

quickly return the DEF to liquid form and the operation of the vehicle is not 

impacted. 

 

3) Does DEF smell? 

DEF may have a slightly pungent odor similar to that of ammonia. 

4) Should I be concerned about handling DEF? 

No. DEF is a non-toxic, non-polluting, and non-flammable substance. DEF is 

safe to handle and store and poses no serious risk to humans, animals, 

equipment or the environment when handled properly.

5) Is DEF available for customers to purchase? 

Yes, DEF is available for customers to purchase. Since 2003, Cummins 

Filtration has offered DEF in bulk, 330-gallon plastic totes, 275-gallon disposable 

totes and 55-gallon plastic drums. In June 2009 the Fleetguard DEF product line 

was expanded to include smaller package sizes, including 1 and 2.5 gallon 

bottles. 

In early 2010 Cummins Filtration and Ashland Consumer Markets (Valvoline) 

announced an alliance to package, market and distribute DEF, further expanding 

the availability of DEF in North America. Since April 2010 Fleetguard®-

Valvoline® Air ShieldTM DEF has been offered through the Cummins and 

Valvoline distribution channels in the United States and Canada. 

Outside of Cummins, DEF is available through a wide variety of sources. DEF 

can be purchased online, at-the-pump at major truck stops, and in small volume 

containers at more than a thousand retailers throughout North America. 

To help customers find DEF, online tools are available to search for the location 

of the nearest DEF retailer, such as DiscoverDEF.com. 
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6) What is the expected price for DEF? 

Pricing for DEF is highly dependent on packaging size, with bulk pricing being 

lower than smaller package sizes. Currently, the at-the-pump price for DEF is 

$2.79/gallon with bulk pricing below $2.00/gallon in certain locations. 

For more information on pricing or to obtain a quote for DEF, contact Cummins 

Filtration at 800-22-FILTERS or www.cumminsfiltration.com. 

ENVIRONMENTAL & REGULATORY 

1) What is the EPA 2010 emission standard? 

The EPA 2010 emissions standards are: 0.2g/HP-hr NOx and 0.01 g/HP-hr 

Particulate Matter. 

2) Does Cummins have products available to meet the EPA 2010 emission 

standards? 

Cummins has a complete line-up of on-highway certified and emissions 

compliant engines to meet customer’s needs. The Cummins ISX15, ISX11.9, 

ISL9, ISL G, ISC8.3 and ISB6.7 are currently EPA and ARB certified. 

 

3) Is Cummins using credits in 2010? 

Yes, Cummins will use credits on some engine models to maximize fuel 

efficiency for our customers. 
9 Cummins Inc. Rev. 9.12.11 

4) Where are Cummins EPA 2010 engines available? 

ISX15 ISX11.9 ISL9 ISC8.3 ISB6.7 ISL G 

Autocar  

BlueBird 

   

FCCC 

    

Ford 

 

Freightliner     

Kenworth      

Mack 

  

Peterbilt      

Thomas 

Built Bus   

Volvo  

Western 

Star   
Cummins Inc. 

Box 3005 

Columbus, IN 47202-3005 

U.S.A. 

Cummins 2010 engines are also available with the following customers: 

ADL Taylor Rigs 

Allianz Madvac Temsa 

American La France Terex Advance 

American Truck Terex Cranes 

Badger Equipment TICO

Capacity of Texas Tiffin 

Cargotec (Ottawa/Kalmar) Vactor Manufacturing 

Chrysler Vanhool 

Complete Coach Works Wausau Equipment 

Crane Carrier Workhorse 

Designline 

El Dorado National 

Elgin 

E-One 

Falcon 

Ferrara 

Fontaine 

Foretravel 

Foton America 

Gillig Bus 

Grove 

HME 

Kimble Chassis 

Kovatch (KME) 

Link-Belt 

Lodal 

MCI Bus 

Monaco 

NABI Bus 

New Flyer Bus 

Nova Bus 

Newell Coach Corp 

Orion Bus 

Oshkosh Truck 

Pierce 

RPM Tech 

Road Runner 

Schwarze 

Seagrave 

Sunny D. 

Spartan 

Sutphen