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Westport to begin delivering HPDI 2.0 early production-design-intent components to OEMs in Q1 2016

Westport Innovations Inc. announced that early production-design-intent components in the Westport High Pressure Direct Injection (Westport HPDI) second-generation (HPDI 2.0) development program for dual-fuel diesel/natural gas engines (earlier post), including the latest-generation injector from Delphi, are undergoing engine testing at Westport, and will be delivered to OEM customers for validation and vehicle testing early in the first quarter of 2016.

Since the announcement of the HPDI 2.0 system in September 2014, Westport has worked with its development partners and suppliers to complete component testing and system validation. The latest generation of HPDI injectors, developed under a Joint Development Agreement with Delphi (earlier post), 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.

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 a viable commercial option for heavy duty trucking customers seeking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

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