Cespira, the Joint Venture between Westport and Volvo Group, Signs Agreement with Volvo Group to Complete Hydrogen-Fueled Engine Development

Executive Summary

• Westport Fuel Systems’ joint venture, Cespira, and Volvo Group have signed a development agreement to finalize the integration and commercialization of Cespira’s HPDI™ fuel system technology for Volvo’s 13-litre engine to run on hydrogen.
• Volvo trucks are currently undergoing on-road testing, with a European certified commercial launch targeted before 2030.
• The HPDI technology enables high-pressure direct injection of hydrogen, offering diesel-equivalent performance, zero-carbon emissions, and high tolerance to varying hydrogen purity levels compared to fuel-cell systems.

Key Details

• Parties: Cespira (Westport’s JV with Volvo Group) and Volvo Group
• Technology: Cespira’s HPDI™ fuel system technology
• Application: Integration into Volvo Group’s 13-litre engine platform for hydrogen combustion
• Current Status: On-road testing of Volvo trucks commenced April 1st
• Commercialization Timeline: European certified commercial launch targeted before 2030
• Technical Capabilities: Enables direct injection of alternative fuels at high pressures; preserves heavy-duty performance, durability, and operating characteristics
• Performance & Efficiency: Delivers diesel-equivalent performance with zero-carbon hydrogen; competitive with fuel-cell systems under heavy-duty load cycles
• Fuel Tolerance: High tolerance to a range of hydrogen fuel compositions, eliminating the need for highly pure hydrogen required by fuel-cell systems
• Strategic Benefits: Supports OEMs in adapting to regional fuel availability, pricing, and infrastructure; leverages a common engine platform to provide cost-effective decarbonization pathways and future optionality for other renewable fuels

Notable Quotes

• Mehdi Ferhan, Senior Vice President, Powertrain Technology, Volvo Group: “This development project reflects Volvo Group’s continued commitment to advancing low-carbon solutions for heavy-duty transport through multiple technology pathways. By partnering with Cespira on the hydrogen application of its HPDI™ fuel system technology to allow our 13-litre engine platform to run on hydrogen, we recognize the potential of hydrogen internal combustion as a viable long-haul option for fleets to reduce emissions in demanding applications. Our commitment to this program underscores the confidence we have in our JV, Cespira, and in the long-term potential of HPDI fuel system technology.”
• Carlos Gonzalez, President and CEO, Cespira: “Hydrogen HPDI™ is the next phase of our HPDI fuel system strategy. Its high tolerance to hydrogen purity and ability to blend with natural gas support better economics for all stakeholders, enabling fleets to reduce CO₂ emissions with no trade-off in the performance they rely on. What is more, our HPDI development allows OEMs to adapt trucks to regional realities in fuel availability, price and infrastructure, while leveraging a common engine platform. This gives the industry cost-effective pathways to decarbonize today and builds optionality for other renewable fuels as the market evolves.”