Westport HPDI 2.0 on track for commercial production

Westport says development of its HPDI 2.0 system is on track, with production components set to be delivered to OEM customers by mid-2016.

Westport Innovations Inc., engineering the world's most advanced natural gas engines and vehicles, announces an update to its Westport High Pressure Direct Injection (Westport HPDI) second generation or "HPDI 2.0" development program.

Since the announcement of the HPDI 2.0 system on September 30, 2014, Westport has worked with its development partners and suppliers to complete component testing and system validation. These partners include Delphi Automotive PLC, who will produce key fuel injection system components for HPDI 2.0. The latest generation of HPDI injectors, developed under the Joint Development Agreement with Delphi, feature a new direct connected architecture and incorporate technologies from both companies and higher performance, lower cost and much easier packaging on the engine than prior HPDI injection system.

Early production design intent components, including the latest generation injector from Delphi, are undergoing engine testing at Westport, and will be delivered to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers for validation and vehicle testing early in the first quarter of 2016. The company expects to deliver production design intent components to OEM customers in mid-2016 for vehicle integration, engine testing and certification, and initial customer field testing. Full commercial production will follow in accordance with OEM customer launch plans.

"HPDI 2.0 development programs with partner OEMs continue to meet key milestones in alignment with our project timelines and targets," says David Demers, CEO of Westport. "We are committed to ensuring the highest quality product reaches commercial production with our partner OEMs on time and on budget."

In addition to component development and vehicle testing, Westport is also working with its supplier partners to implement production capacity for HPDI 2.0 components. As previously disclosed, Delphi and Westport are intending to invest in and develop annual production capacity in excess of 100,000 injectors within the next 3 years. Manufacturing systems engineering and initial equipment orders for this production facility are now well underway.

HPDI 2.0 offers simple integration with minimal mechanical changes to the base diesel engine: only custom fuel injectors, fuel supply and pumps are substituted for the traditional diesel components. The engine operates with the same internal components and, substantially, the same in-cylinder pressure and temperature as the base diesel engine, which preserves the high reliability and durability found in modern heavy-duty diesel engines. Virtually no changes are introduced to powertrain, cooling system or emissions equipment as compared to the base diesel vehicle.

For heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers, minimal change to the base diesel engine means simpler integration into engine and vehicle production. HPDI 2.0 trucks will be easier to manufacture, service and support in the field compared to previous generation natural gas trucks. For customers, HPDI 2.0 trucks will integrate easily into fleet operations, with the same horsepower and torque, and the same driveability, as the equivalent diesel truck.

Additionally, HPDI 2.0 continues to be the only natural gas system that can offer "same as diesel" horsepower, torque, transient response, engine braking power and fuel economy. It also provides up to 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to equivalent diesel engines, making it far and away the best commercial option for heavy-duty trucking customers seeking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

 

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