Volvo and Westport Partner for Biofuel Innovation

Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems Inc. ("Westport") marked a significant milestone with the official launch of their joint venture at an exclusive event held at the University of British Columbia, where Westport's HPDI™ fuel system technology originated.

Developed over nearly three decades at Westport, the partnership aims to advance the commercialization of HPDI technology. The joint venture is committed to promoting and enhancing affordable, sustainable transportation solutions through internal combustion engines powered by renewable fuels in the present, with a future focus on hydrogen. This collaboration underscores their dedication to advancing environmentally friendly mobility options and driving innovation in the automotive industry.

Dan Sceli, CEO and Director of Westport Fuel Systems and interim President of the Volvo/Westport JV highlighted the transformative potential of their joint venture for global long-haul and off-road heavy-duty applications. Highlighting the complementary strengths of both companies, he underscored how Volvo's established presence in commercial vehicle and powertrain manufacturing combines with Westport's pioneering fuel system technology to create a dominant force driving positive change in the industry. Sceli noted their commitment to delivering sustainable, efficient, and economically viable solutions that can significantly reduce carbon emissions immediately and affordably, underscoring their dedication to advancing long-haul transportation sustainability.

Lars Stenqvist, Chief Technology Officer of Volvo Group, expressed enthusiasm for a milestone in advancing clean transportation. He emphasized the significance of HPDI-powered internal combustion engines using hydrogen and renewable fuels in global decarbonization efforts for commercial transportation. Stenqvist highlighted that the joint venture allows Volvo Group to integrate this innovative fuel system with their strategic expertise, supporting OEMs and fleets in navigating the transition to sustainable energy solutions. His remarks underscore Volvo's commitment to driving forward impactful initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions across the transportation sector.

Scott Baker, Vice President of Product Development and Technology Officer at the Volvo/Westport JV, described the alliance as a significant milestone for Westport and HPDI technology. He emphasized their strong commitment to advancing decarbonization in the heavy-duty sector through alternative fuels, while maintaining the efficiency, power, and durability characteristic of diesel cycle engines. Baker highlighted that this collaboration underscores their dedication to innovating sustainable solutions that meet stringent environmental standards while meeting the operational needs of the transportation industry.

Through collaboration with transportation partners and end-users, the HPDI system has been successfully deployed in thousands of Volvo trucks across Europe, showcasing its efficacy in advancing carbon neutrality goals. Since its commercial launch in 2018, fleets have collectively mitigated hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions annually. This achievement underscores the immediate benefits of integrating Hydrogen and Biogas technologies into existing infrastructure, highlighting a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions.