Westport touts CNG HPDI system for heavy-duty trucks

Executive Summary

• Westport Fuel Systems Inc. announced a proprietary Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solution designed to integrate with its HPDI fuel system (developed via joint venture Cespira with Volvo Group), aiming to expand the addressable market for heavy-duty natural gas trucks, particularly in North America.
• The new CNG solution leverages advanced high-pressure storage technology to deliver diesel-like performance and lower total cost of ownership, addressing a gap where CNG was previously not an option for HPDI systems.
• Field testing is scheduled to begin in 2026, with demonstration trucks expected to operate in real-world fleet applications during the same year to validate performance and fuel efficiency.

Key Details

• Technology Integration: The solution combines Westport’s proprietary CNG technology with the existing HPDI fuel system from Cespira (Westport’s joint venture with Volvo Group).
• Market Focus: Specifically targets markets with extensive pipeline infrastructure and abundant natural gas resources, with a primary emphasis on North America, where CNG is considered a better fit than Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
• Performance Goals: Designed to enable fleet operators to achieve diesel-like performance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and lower total cost of ownership.
• Current Status: The HPDI system has been commercially available as an LNG solution for several years, operating in over 30 countries and powering more than 9,000 trucks worldwide.
• Testing Timeline: Field testing for the CNG solution is expected to begin in 2026.
• Demonstration Plans: An engineering truck equipped with the CNG system is currently showcasing potential in Vancouver, Canada. Full proprietary CNG system demonstration trucks are planned for real-world fleet applications in 2026.
• Industry Validation: Trican Well Services Ltd. expressed encouragement, noting the need for solutions that maintain diesel-like performance under demanding operating conditions without compromising sustainability.
• Regulatory Context: CEO Dan Sceli highlighted support from Canada’s 2025 budget, which reaffirmed commitment to clean hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and biobased energy solutions through Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits.

Notable Quotes

• "Westport is redefining what's possible for natural gas-powered transportation... We believe that CNG with HPDI will give operators a clear advantage over other low-carbon technology options -- helping fleets reduce costs, cut emissions and stay competitive in a changing market." — Dan Sceli, CEO, Westport Fuel Systems Inc.
• "Westport's CNG solution will introduce a new natural gas technology for the North American market, which along with CNG's low cost and stable pricing, will increase product options for commercial fleets and further the case for natural gas as the best alternative to diesel." — Daniel Gage, President, The Transport Project.
• "Trican owns hundreds of heavy-duty trucks... our demanding operating conditions, where diesel-like performance is essential, need a solution where we don't have to choose between performance and sustainability." — Brad Fedora, President and CEO, Trican Well Services Ltd.