Westport and Johnson Matthey team up on hydrogen emissions aftertreatment

The new agreement focuses on combining Johnson Matthey’s technologies and products with Westport’s H2 HPDI fuel system to create the lowest possible vehicle tailpipe emissions.

Commercial Vehicle Staff

Dec. 19, 2022

2 min read

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Westport Fuel Systems is working with sustainability company Johnson Matthey to develop an emissions aftertreatment system tailored to Westport’s H2 HPDI hydrogen fuel system to reduce or eliminate emissions.

The new agreement focuses on combining Johnson Matthey’s technologies and products with Westport’s H2 HPDI fuel system to create the lowest possible vehicle tailpipe emissions, according to Westport’s announcement. The two companies will collaborate on the testing and development of a prototype system at Westport’s engineering center in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“This joint effort is a natural fit as we are both working toward zero-emission solutions for affordable and cleaner transportation that do not compromise performance or efficiency,” said David M. Johnson, CEO of Westport Fuel Systems. “We are pleased to be partnering with Johnson Matthey, driving cleaner performance together by optimizing our H2 HPDI fuel system running on zero-carbon hydrogen for heavy-duty transportation.”

Hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE) can potentially expand the technology options available to achieve a more sustainable transportation future, complementing Johnson Matthey’s capabilities in hydrogen fuel cells, according to a Westport press release. For commercial vehicles, where the pathway to fuel-cell and battery electric-based powertrains is earlier in its development, hydrogen ICE could complement these technologies, especially in heavy-duty and higher horsepower applications.

“Heavy-duty transportation is crucial for the movement of goods, so it’s important we’re able to do this as sustainably as possible,” said Andy Walker, technology market insights director at Johnson Matthey. “As a leading manufacturer of emissions controls systems for the last 50 years, we’re excited to be combining our expertise with Westport to make commercial transportation clean and fit for the future.”