Cespira Starts On-Road Testing of Hydrogen HPDI Fuel System with Volvo

Joint venture Cespira, formed by Westport Fuel Systems and Volvo, announced the start of on-road testing of its HPDI™ (High Pressure Direct Injection) hydrogen fuel system. Volvo is integrating this technology into heavy-duty trucks, with a commercial launch planned before 2030, according to both companies. Hydrogen used in an internal combustion engine via the HPDI system would deliver nearly 100% CO2 reductions compared to diesel-powered trucks, Westport says.

A Proven Platform Adapted for Hydrogen

Cespira's HPDI system builds on an established commercial platform already used in more than 10,000 Volvo LNG (liquefied natural gas) trucks worldwide. The hydrogen version relies on the same architecture validated for LNG, with a few limited adaptations. This approach allows manufacturers to retain their existing engine architecture, industrial investments and powertrain expertise. Public support for hydrogen is also accelerating across Europe: the European Commission approved €6 billion in state aid for renewable hydrogen in Italy.

The HPDI system is designed to qualify as a zero-emission vehicle under the European Union's CO2 emissions standards. Hydrogen can be produced from non-fossil sources — green hydrogen is derived from water electrolysis. New resource discoveries further illustrate this potential: drilling at 3,655 meters confirmed significant natural hydrogen reserves in Moselle, in France.

Stakes for Heavy-Duty Decarbonization

"On-road testing is a key milestone in demonstrating that Cespira's hydrogen HPDI fuel system is a cost-effective solution that operates on a zero-carbon fuel while delivering best-in-class power, torque, and efficiency," said Dan Sceli, Chief Executive Officer of Westport. The heavy-duty transport sector represents one of the major decarbonization challenges, given the range and power requirements of long-haul trucks. HPDI technology, originally developed for LNG and bioLNG (bio-sourced liquefied natural gas), is now adapted for hydrogen to meet these demands.

Westport Fuel Systems, listed on the TSX and Nasdaq under the ticker WPRT, develops this technology through Cespira, its joint venture dedicated to HPDI systems. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The commercial launch before 2030 remains contingent on the results of on-road testing currently under way.