The four trucks in this proposal will be used in Wal-Mart’s over-the-road (OTR) goods distribution operations in the MDAQMD. The project will also demonstrate the effectiveness of Westport’s commercially available technology and will work to grow the heavy-duty natural gas market.

Our experience shows that by using natural gas, Westport’s LNG fuel system can help Wal-Mart reduce their fleet vehicles’ greenhouse gas emissions by some 20 per cent and NO_x emissions by between 30 and 50 per cent over their diesel equivalents.

This represents a significant milestone for Westport as we have been actively pursuing large private and commercial truck fleets. We are very proud to be given the opportunity to showcase Westport’s innovative approach to commercial transportation with an environmental leader like Wal-Mart.

—Michael Gallagher, president and chief operating officer of Westport

Westport’s LNG system for heavy duty Class 8 trucks offers lower criteria and greenhouse gas emissions than comparable diesel engines, and allows trucking fleets to move to lower-cost, natural gas and/or biogas. Based on the industry-leading Cummins ISX diesel engine with cooled EGR, the LNG version of the engine offers the same horsepower, torque, and efficiency as the base diesel engine rating it is replacing.

The Cummins ISX dual overhead cam design delivers high performance and exceptional braking every mile. Variable Geometry Turbocharging produces quicker throttle response with less turbo lag for faster acceleration off the line and on highway on-ramps. Infinite adjustment provides the exact amount of boost needed at every engine speed. The 2007 Westport LNG system is available with 400 and 450 hp ratings and up to 1,750 lb-ft torque for heavy-duty port, goods distribution and other commercial truck applications. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer range requirements.

The Westport LNG system comprises LNG fuel tanks, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, cryogenic fuel pumps and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation. The Westport LNG system is 2008 EPA and CARB certified to 0.8g/bhp-hr NO_x and 0.01g/bhp-hr PM. Trucks are eligible for a federal tax credits in the United States and may be eligible for other state-specific emissions credits.

Last week, Kenworth Truck Company announced that it will begin production of Kenworth Class 8 T800 LNG trucks at its manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington in 2009. Under an exclusive agreement with Westport Innovations Inc. in Vancouver, B.C., Kenworth will use Westport’s LNG HPDI fuel system technology adapted for the Cummins ISX 15-liter engine. (Earlier post.) Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF are all nameplates of PACCAR.

In 2007, PACCAR and Eaton Corporation entered into an agreement to develop jointly proprietary hybrid technology for heavy-duty commercial vehicles in North America. The new products will be introduced exclusively in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in the North American market, targeted for initial production by the end of 2009. (Earlier post.)

Eaton’s heavy-duty hybrid electric power system will be built using an automated manual transmission with a parallel-type direct hybrid system, incorporating an electric motor/generator located between the output of an automated clutch and the input to a Fuller UltraShift transmission.

The system will support regenerative braking, with the power used to provide electric motor torque for blending with engine torque to improve vehicle performance; to operate the engine in a more fuel-efficient range for a given speed; or to operate with electric power only.

Wal-Mart, which operates the nation’s second largest private fleet, is also supporting development of these technologies by helping to validate the concept and refine the final design.