LNG engines taking off

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engines made by Westport, as seen at the recent Melbourne Truck Show in the Innovation Kenworth, are starting to make progress in the US market with a sale of 20 HPDI LNG engines to a single customer in California.

HayDay Farms of Blythe, California has ordered 20 heavy duty liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks featuring Westport’s High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology. Fitted to Kenworth T800s and based on the Cummins ISX diesel engine with cooled EGR, the LNG version of the engine offers the same horsepower, torque, and efficiency as the base diesel engine rating it is replacing.

LNG tank system on Kenworth Innovation Truck

“At over US$4 per gallon for diesel and the natural gas equivalent at approximately US$3 per gallon, purchasing LNG trucks delivering the same torque and efficiency just makes sense,” said Dale Tyson, Vice President of HayDay Farms. “Running LNG trucks with Westport’s HPDI technology can help reduce fuel costs and harmful emissions providing economic and environmental drivers in line with HayDay’s core business values.”

“Providing a highly efficient, low-emission Westport ISX G 15 litre engine with a comprehensive support program for customers like HayDay Farms gives Westport a distinct competitive advantage,” stated Michael Gallagher, President & Chief Operating Officer of Westport Innovations. “The economic drivers in concert with environmental benefits for customers like HayDay Farms are now creating unprecedented interest in our new natural gas fuel systems for heavy duty trucks.”

The Westport LNG system comprises LNG fuel tanks, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, cryogenic fuel pumps and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation.

The Westport LNG system for North American markets is available with 400 and 450 horsepower ratings and up to 1,750 lb-ft torque for heavy-duty port, goods distribution and other commercial truck applications. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer range requirements. Trucks are eligible for federal tax credits in the United States and may be eligible for other state-specific emissions credits.