Westport targets diesel parity with high-pressure CNG system

Westport has revealed a new platform that combines the company's CNG storage system with a high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) fuel system platform developed by Cespira, its joint venture with Volvo. The platform debuted on a Volvo VNL 300 at ACT Expo 2026 in Las Vegas, and on this model reportedly offers fuel efficiency similar to a diesel version's, while generating 500 HP and 1,850 lb.-ft. of torque.

“By combining advanced high‑pressure storage with Cespira’s proven HPDI fuel systems, we’re demonstrating that fleets can achieve diesel performance and efficiency using widely available natural gas," said Westport CEO Dan Sceli. "This is more than a product introduction—it’s a meaningful step toward delivering real emissions reductions with compelling operating economics for the North American market.”

Westport said the high‑pressure (~700 bar) platform was "engineered for diesel combustion engines that require in‑cylinder, high‑pressure gaseous fuel injection, including engines equipped with the HPDI fuel system developed by Cespira."

The company noted that HPDI has been used in more than 10,000 trucks using liquefied natural gas (LNG) in over 30 countries, though its use in North America has been limited due to a preference for CNG. Westport's new solution enables CNG engines to take advantage of HPDI.

The HPDI fuel system can convert to multiple fuel types with "minimal hardware changes," Wesport said, and opens the door for fleets to use natural gas, hydrogen, or a mix of both. The hydrogen used also does not need to be near 99.999% pure, as fuel cell systems do, therefore allowing users to avoid paying for liquefying and transporting hydrogen in cryogenic trailers, and ultimately providing a path for hydrogen to be used practically in the heavy-duty space.

According to Westport, the system includes:

• A fully integrated architecture including Cespira’s HPDI fuel injectors and fuel system components, control software, and Westport’s high‑pressure CNG smart tank system that maximize usable fuel mass to extend driving range.

• A compression‑ignition approach that, other than the HPDI injectors and fuel system, requires no engine, transmission or cooling system modifications and no changes to engine maintenance schedules.

• No spark plugs.

• Components designed to safely handle CNG and natural gas-hydrogen blends.

• Precision control strategies for mixed‑fuel applications.