Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (WPRT) and its Volvo‑based joint venture, Cespira, have begun on‑road testing of a hydrogen‑powered High‑Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) fuel system in heavy‑duty trucks in Vancouver, Canada. The testing marks the first real‑world validation of the HPDI technology running on hydrogen and is a critical milestone toward a commercial launch scheduled for before 2030.
The HPDI system, which has already proven itself in more than 10,000 Volvo LNG trucks worldwide, now operates on hydrogen with only minor system variations. The joint venture aims to deliver diesel‑like performance, torque and efficiency while achieving nearly 100 % CO₂ reductions compared with diesel‑powered trucks. The on‑road trials will assess durability, safety and regulatory compliance in a commercial environment.
"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, Westport CEO. "Hydrogen use in an internal combustion engine with Cespira’s HPDI fuel system delivers nearly 100 % CO₂ reductions over diesel fueled trucks while allowing OEMs to preserve their existing engine architecture, leverage existing engineering talent and experience, installed investments, and decades of technology development in vehicle powertrain design, supply chain, and manufacturing." Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management at Volvo Trucks, added, "On‑road testing is an important milestone for our hydrogen combustion engine trucks. I feel confident that they will be the best in the industry if you look at fuel efficiency, power, torque and drivability. Customers will be able to operate them just like diesel trucks. Our experience with HPDI technology in more than 10,000 gas‑powered trucks is strong proof of its performance."
The joint venture, in which Westport holds a 55 % stake, underscores the company’s strategic pivot toward heavy‑duty applications after divesting its light‑duty business. By leveraging existing engine architecture, the HPDI platform promises lower capital costs and faster deployment for OEMs, positioning Westport and Volvo to capture a growing hydrogen market as infrastructure and regulatory support expand.
The successful completion of on‑road testing will validate the system’s real‑world performance and safety, paving the way for regulatory approvals and commercial rollout. If the trials confirm the projected efficiency and emissions benefits, the partnership could accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a decarbonizing fuel for long‑haul trucking and strengthen Westport’s competitive edge in the emerging market.
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