Cummins Inc. has unveiled its new SmartEfficiency initiative and 2017 engines for the school bus market.

SmartEfficiency focuses on improved uptime, reliability, and fuel economy, according to Cummins. As part of the initiative, the manufacturer revealed its full 2017 school bus engine lineup: the V5.0, the ISB6.7 G, the 2017 B6.7, the 2017 L9, and the ISL G Near Zero (NZ) natural gas engine.

"The combination of proven and stable engine architectures, with innovative entrants to the Cummins diesel and Cummins Westport natural gas lineup, provides an optimal solution for every school district," said Laura Chasse, general manager of North American bus for Cummins.

According to Cummins, the 2017 B6.7 for school buses will provide up to a 5% fuel economy improvement across all ratings, and up to a 7% fuel economy improvement for the Efficiency Series B6.7 ratings (200 hp to 260 hp).

Also, "For school districts wanting improved fuel economy and reduced engine noise during traditional idle times, the 2017 B6.7 is fully capable of implementing Cummins Stop-Start technology," said Sumit Nema, B6.7 product manager.

For customers interested in alternative fuel options, the Cummins Westport ISB6.7 G compressed natural gas engine is available in Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses. The ISB6.7 G meets the Air Resources Board (ARB) optional low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) standard of 0.1 g/bhp-hr, as well as 2017 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) greenhouse gas requirements.

The 2017 L9 engine for school buses can provide as much as a 15% fuel economy improvement compared with the ISL9 from a decade ago, according to Cummins.

The Cummins Westport ISL G NZ offers a natural gas option for Type D school bus customers. The engine meets the EPA and ARB optional near-zero NOx emissions standard of 0.02 g/bhp-hr, which is 90% lower than the current EPA standard.

The 2017 B6.7 and L9 platforms will see a combined 2.25 million test miles prior to their January 2017 launch. According to Cummins, both engines will use an optimized Single Module aftertreatment for better reliability and thermal management; a Stage 1 NanoNet fuel filter for improved water separation; and an improved lamp strategy for better operator interface and communication through dash lamps.

The B6.7 will utilize an improved VGT turbocharger with a heavy duty bearing system for better system robustness, and the L9 will make use of an improved oil pan with enhanced sealing technology for better oil control and serviceability, according to Cummins.

Also, the V5.0, B6.7, and L9 are compatible with Cummins Connected Solutions, which provides real-time engine fault code analysis, probable diagnosis, and recommended actions for school buses equipped with a telematics service.