Westport Fuel Systems Successfully Completes Initial Startup and Testing on Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engine

Rhea-AI Summary

Westport Fuel Systems (WPRT) announced successful initial tests of its hydrogen (H₂) engine using the High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) 2.0™ System. The tests reveal that the H₂-HPDI operates with near-zero greenhouse gas emissions and shows efficiency comparable to fuel cells in heavy-duty applications. The company aims to provide a cost-effective alternative for heavy-duty trucking, mining, marine, and rail sectors, thereby leveraging existing supply chains and manufacturing infrastructures. Upcoming results will be shared at the Vienna Motor Symposium on April 29-30, 2021.

Positive

• Successful initial trials of H₂-HPDI demonstrate comparable efficiency to fuel cells.
• Near-zero greenhouse gas emissions position H₂-HPDI as a competitive alternative.
• Potential cost savings for OEMs compared to fuel cell electric vehicle development.

Negative

• None.

• H₂-HPDI early test results validate modelling, demonstrates HPDI has comparable efficiency to fuel cells in heavy-duty applications
  

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (TSX | Nasdaq: WPRT), a global leader in alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies, is pleased to announce successful startup and initial trials of a heavy-duty internal combustion engine running on hydrogen (H₂) fuel, using its patented and proprietary High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) 2.0™ System.

“We believe H₂-HPDI could be extremely compelling, with near-zero greenhouse gas emissions and much lower cost than fuel cell vehicles or battery electric vehicles, particularly for heavy-duty trucking and other high-load applications like mining, marine and rail that have come to rely on the efficiency, power, durability and reliability of diesel engines,” said David Johnson, CEO of Westport Fuel Systems. “While there is more work to be done, our initial test results are encouraging and a testament to our team’s ongoing commitment to innovation. This demonstrates the inherent versatility of our HPDI system to utilize a range of gaseous fuels and provide a long-term carbon-reduction strategy. We are confident there is a larger opportunity to leverage our extensive expertise with gaseous fuel combustion and engine management systems.”

“We were able to commence running at full torque and at rated power within hours of successfully starting the first ever HPDI engine operating on hydrogen,” said Scott Baker, Westport Fuel Systems’ Vice President of Engineering. “Preliminary test results validate our combustion simulations, demonstrating the potential for hydrogen combustion and efficiency comparable to fuel cells in heavy-duty applications. The potential for OEMs and others to avoid new and significant investments that would be required to develop and manufacture fuel cells, electric motors and batteries that are associated with heavy-duty long haul fuel cell electric vehicle product proposals, while leveraging established supply chains, manufacturing investment and infrastructure and economies of scale, is incredibly exciting.”

Development is ongoing, with technical results to be reviewed at the upcoming Vienna Motor Symposium, which takes place April 29-30, 2021.

About Westport Fuel Systems
Westport Fuel Systems is driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. The company is a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global automotive industry. Westport’s technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America and South America, the company serves customers in more than 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. For more information, visit www.wfsinc.com.

Investor Inquiries:
Christine Marks
Investor Relations
T: +1 604-718-2046
E: invest@wfsinc.com

FAQ

What are the results of Westport Fuel Systems' recent hydrogen engine tests?

The tests validate the HPDI technology's efficiency, showing it can operate comparably to fuel cells with near-zero emissions.

How does H₂-HPDI compare to fuel cell technology?

H₂-HPDI has demonstrated similar efficiency to fuel cells, making it a compelling alternative for heavy-duty applications.

What are the benefits of using H₂-HPDI in heavy-duty applications?

Benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower costs than fuel cell vehicles, and the ability to leverage existing manufacturing infrastructures.

When will Westport Fuel Systems present further developments on H₂-HPDI?

Further technical results will be reviewed at the Vienna Motor Symposium on April 29-30, 2021.