Delphi and Westport Team on Next-Gen Injectors for Natural Gas Engines

May 1, 2014

Patrick Ponticel

With Delphi's help, Westport expects improvements in cost and performance for its second-generation HPDI technology (first-generation unit shown).

Previously having been strictly a contract manufacturer for Westport Innovations, Delphi Automotive under a new agreement will co-develop with Westport new high-pressure natural-gas fuel injectors, the companies jointly announced March 3. The first in a family of injectors to be developed will be one of the core components of Westport's recently announced HPDI 2.0 fuel system that is expected to begin reaching customers by late 2014. The agreement capitalizes on Westport's 20-years-plus experience in natural-gas HPDI (high pressure direct injection) delivery and on Delphi's own deep experience in fuel delivery. Westport will purchase critical equipment for the manufacture and inline testing of injectors, which will be produced at one or more Delphi plants. Within four years, annual production capacity will reach more than 100,000 units. The injectors will have a single-actuator design using Delphi's twin-valve technology, and are expected to cost less than the current-generation HPDI injectors.