- Cespira will integrate HPDI hydrogen fuel technology into Volvo’s 13-litre heavy-duty engine.
- Hydrogen-powered HPDI systems aim to deliver diesel-like performance with zero-carbon fuel.
Westport Fuel Systems announced on June 18 that Cespira, its joint venture with Volvo Group, has entered into a development agreement with Volvo Group to complete the integration and commercialization of Hydrogen HPDI Technology for the company’s 13-litre engine platform. The agreement marks another step toward expanding hydrogen-powered solutions for heavy-duty transportation while leveraging existing engine architectures and fuel system expertise.
The collaboration builds on Cespira’s High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) fuel system technology, which is already deployed in LNG-powered heavy-duty engines. Under the new agreement, the technology will be adapted for Volvo’s 13-litre engine, enabling it to operate using hydrogen as the primary fuel source. The approach aims to support decarbonization efforts while maintaining the operational requirements expected from commercial vehicle powertrains.
HPDI technology injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber at high pressure, allowing lower-carbon fuels to be utilized without compromising the performance and durability standards required in heavy-duty truck applications. By retaining characteristics familiar to fleet operators, the system is positioned as a practical pathway for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines.
The hydrogen-based HPDI solution is designed to provide diesel-like performance while utilizing a zero-carbon fuel. In addition, the technology can operate with a broader range of hydrogen fuel qualities compared with fuel-cell systems. This flexibility may help address infrastructure and fuel availability challenges as hydrogen ecosystems continue to develop across different markets.
According to the companies, the technology is expected to deliver efficiency and performance levels comparable to hydrogen fuel-cell solutions in heavy-duty applications. By combining established engine platforms with advanced hydrogen injection technology, the development agreement supports ongoing efforts to diversify zero-emission and low-carbon propulsion options for the commercial vehicle sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cespira’s HPDI hydrogen fuel system technology?
Cespira’s HPDI hydrogen fuel system technology is a high-pressure direct injection solution designed to enable heavy-duty internal combustion engines to operate on hydrogen while maintaining diesel-like performance characteristics. The technology injects hydrogen directly into the engine at high pressure, helping preserve efficiency, durability, and power output required for commercial trucking applications. It is based on HPDI technology already used in LNG-powered heavy-duty engines and is being further developed for hydrogen-powered transportation solutions.
Why are Westport Fuel Systems and Volvo Group developing hydrogen-powered engines?
Westport Fuel Systems and Volvo Group are developing hydrogen-powered engines to support the transition toward lower-carbon and zero-carbon transportation solutions in the heavy-duty vehicle sector. Their collaboration focuses on integrating HPDI technology into Volvo’s 13-litre engine platform, allowing the use of hydrogen while maintaining operational performance. The technology offers flexibility in hydrogen fuel quality, supports existing engine architectures, and aims to deliver efficiency levels comparable to hydrogen fuel-cell systems for commercial vehicle applications.
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