Westport Names A-1 as Exclusive Distributor for the Growing Shuttle Bus Market

Westport has named A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems as its exclusive national distributor for compressed natural gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) – or propane auto gas - fuel systems targeting the growing shuttle bus market, which utilize the E-450 and F-450/550 chassis.

Shuttle bus with Ford E-450 chassis

A-1 Alternative Fuel Systems has locations in Fresno, California and Elkhart, Indiana – both recognized by Ford under their Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program.

“Combining Westport’s extensive background as a Ford QVM approved system developer and A-1’s depth of experience in the shuttle bus industry, this partnership provides customers with a strong support network nationwide,” says Paul Shaffer, Vice President and Managing Director of Westport’s DOEM, North America Business “We are excited about A-1 representing Westport nationally and believe this represents the next step in growing our presence within the shuttle bus industry.”

“This partnership makes a lot of sense, as both A-1 and Westport have provided alternative fuel solutions to the shuttle bus market for many years,” said A-1’s National Sales Manager Will Gutilla.
“We are confident that together we will offer not only a high-quality product, but also tremendous post-delivery support to shuttle bus users all over the country.”

To learn more about Westport‘s CNG and LPG products, please visit westport.com/wing.

What’s new with Emissions Regulations for Heavy Duty Trucks?

As the world acknowledges the urgency of reducing total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, governments and regulatory agencies are moving toward the adoption of programs, polices and rules to achieve required reductions. Emissions from transportation sources have been identified as the second largest source of emissions in North America. Heavy duty trucks are known to make up a large percentage of emissions from this sector and as a response to managing this issue, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have released the second of two comprehensive regulations to govern the emissions from medium and heavy duty vehicles in the United States.

Better known as the Phase 2 GHG and Fuel Efficiency Regulation, the new rule is designed to provide more stringent standards than were established in the Phase 1 Rules (2014-2018) to increase fuel efficiency and GHG emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles and trailers. The rule sets performance based standards for meeting emissions and fuel efficiency requirements that allow multiple technology approaches [1] for vehicles from heavy duty pick-up trucks, delivery trucks, refuse vehicles all the way to heavy duty tractor trailers. The rule was developed over 2 years of industry and stakeholder consultations and finalized in August of 2016.

What does this mean for fleets?

The new Phase 2 rule applies to trailers in 2018 and engines and vehicles and trailers for model years 2021-2027. According to the EPA, the new rules will require vehicles in the medium and heavy duty classes to reduce GHG emissions in the range of 20-30% or approximately by 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, result in $170 billion in fuel cost savings and reduce oil consumption by 2 billion barrels [2]. The effort is estimated to cost between $19 and $31 billion dollars over the regulatory period ending in 2027.

What does this mean for OEMs?

To meet these standards diesel OEMs will have to invest in aerodynamics, and new technologies such as waste heat recovery systems, turbo compounding, improvements to exhaust gas recirculation, combustion and fuel injection systems [3]. It is expected that these management strategies will add some additional costs to diesel vehicles. For heavy duty tractors the additional costs are estimated at between $10,000 and $13,700 [4].

What does this mean for Westport Fuel Systems?

The rule also governs natural gas powered vehicles. The good news is that many of the commercially available medium and heavy duty natural gas vehicles already meet the Phase 2 Standards for carbon dioxide and methane emissions. Next generation natural gas engines, such as Westport ™ HPDI and Ultra Low NOx engines offered by Cummins Westport are already in development with improvements that will meet or exceed the Phase 2 Standards.

The inherent lower carbon properties of natural gas make natural gas vehicles an attractive alternative to their diesel counterparts, especially in the heavier vehicle categories. Because many of the available engines already meet the standards, the rule leaves natural gas engines well positioned as a cost effective compliance solution. While this rule has been developed for the United States, it is expected that Environment and Climate Change Canada will also adopt the rules as it has with the Phase 1 Rules in an effort to harmonize standards between the United States and Canada.

[1]EPA and NHSTA adopt standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency of medium and heavy duty vehicles for model year 2018 and beyond.” WPA, WPA-420-F-16-044, August 2016. https://www3epa.gov/otaq/climate/documents/420f16044.pdf

[2] EPA and NHSTA adopt standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel efficiency of medium and heavy duty vehicles for model year 2018 and beyond.” WPA, WPA-420-F-16-044, August 2016. https://www3epa.gov/otaq/climate/documents/420f16044.pdf

[3]United States efficiency and greenhouse gas emission regulations for model year 2018-2027 heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers.” ICCT Policy Update. August 2016. www.theicct.orghttp://www.theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/US%20HDV%20Phase%202%20FRM_policy-update_08252016_vF.pdf
[4] United States efficiency and greenhouse gas emission regulations for model year 2018-2027 heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers.” ICCT Policy Update. August 2016. www.theicct.orghttp://www.theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/US%20HDV%20Phase%202%20FRM_policy-update_08252016_vF.pdf

Karen Hamberg Recognized Nationally for Advancement of Sustainability and Clean Capitalism in Canada

Westport’s Vice President of Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations, Karen Hamberg, has been recognized nationally as a recipient of Canada’s Clean50 for 2017 in the Manufacturing and Transportation sector.

Karen Hamberg, Vice President of Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations


Canada’s prestigious Clean50 Awards are announced annually by Delta Management Group and the Clean50 to recognize those 50 individuals or small teams, from 16 different categories, who have done the most to advance the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada over the past two years.Canada’s Clean50 for 2017 includes notable Canadians Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta and Glen Murray, Ontario's Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

“Delta’s criteria in the selection of Honourees was to carefully consider actual measurable accomplishments, demonstrated innovation, collaboration with other organizations, and the power of the Honouree’s contribution to inspire other Canadians to take similar action.  Ms. Hamberg was chosen after rigourous screening and investigation by Delta Management with advice from internal researchers and external advisors, and was among Honourees selected from an initial pool of over 500 well-qualified nominees. These individuals are rarely waiting for regulations to drive their organization forward – but are leading by example and harnessing sustainability as a force for innovation. The 2017 Clean50 are true leaders and should be an inspiration for all Canadians” said Gavin Pitchford, CEO, Delta Management Group.

Westport Fuel Systems is leading the transition to a low carbon economy by designing next-generation alternative fuel engine and vehicle technologies that offer significant environmental benefits. The transportation sector is facing an unrelenting pressure to innovate with new greenhouse gas regulations introducing a compelling opportunity for gaseous-fuel product solutions powered by natural gas, propane, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. The substitution of natural gas for petroleum-based fuels drive a reduction in harmful combustion emissions such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and greenhouse gases, in addition to the economic benefits of a low-cost and abundant fuel.

After joining Westport in 2001, Karen has held multiple leadership positions in Corporate Strategy, Market and Competitive Intelligence, Sustainability and Environmental Performance, and Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations. . Karen is also a member of the United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign Cabinet and a Board Member of Calstart in Pasadena, California and the Van Horne Institute at the University of Calgary.

“Sustainability is at the core of Westport Fuel Systems’ business,” says Chief Executive Officer Nancy Gougarty. “Our ability to deliver solutions to global energy, climate, and air quality concerns is the result of individuals like Karen who are ensuring the shift to alternative fuel-powered transportation will be realized.”

As developments in GHG emission reduction regulations shift the transportation sector toward alternative fuels, Karen and the Westport Fuel Systems Team will continue to develop best-in-class technology solutions for customers around the world.

Congratulations to Karen Hamberg and the Westport Fuel Systems team!



To view the full list of Canada’s Clean50 for 2017 visit http://bit.ly/2crj5bK

Welcome the new Volvo V90!

On June 23, Volvo Car announced it will launch a Bi-Fuel version of its new V90 station wagon. The V90 will supersede the V70 and marks a new era of vehicles with Westport technology. Based on the same engine technology as the V60 sports wagon, the V90 will run on compressed natural gas (CNG), biomethane, or petrol and with a 254 horsepower engine, will be the most powerful CNG car on the market. 

The Westport team in Gothenburg, Sweden is pictured here with last V70 Bi-Fuel car delivered by Westport. This high-performance, fuel-efficient vehicle has been a major success story in the European market and since the start of production in 2010, has been our best-selling product with more than 4,500 vehicles delivered.   

Sales of the V70 have also had a significant environmental impact. Based on an average mix of biomethane provided by the Swedish Transport Association, and a well-to-wheels perspective of expected lifetime emissions of the vehicle, a V70 Bi-Fuel emits 50% fewer green house gas (GHG) emissions compared to a petrol fuelled vehicle. This results in a savings of about 8 tonnes of CO₂ per vehicle or close to 40,000 tonnes when the entire fleet of vehicles sold is considered.

By collaborating with OEMs like Volvo Car, Westport have been able develop vital technology solutions to reduce GHG emissions and continue to meet demand for premium natural gas vehicles. Great work to the team in Sweden, farewell to the V70, and we look forward to more success with the V90!

Driving Down Greenhouse Gas Emissions

On Friday April 22, leaders from 175 countries gathered in New York to sign the Paris Agreement, which was brokered at COP 21 last December. This means that over 85 per cent of the world’s nations have committed to large reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the next 15 years and to actions to limit any increase in global warming to 2°C.

At the signing ceremony, U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, pointed directly to the private sector when he discussed the Agreement, saying: “It is the unmistakable signal that innovation, entrepreneurial activity, the allocation of capital, the decisions that governments make, all of this is what we now know definitively is what is going to define the new energy future… The power of this agreement is what it is going to do to unleash the private sector, and it is already doing to set in pace the global economy on a new path for smart, responsible, sustainable development.”

These pledges and comments may be headline grabbing but what does this all mean in real terms for the transportation industry? In this edition of Fuel for Thought, Karen Hamberg, Westport’s Vice President Industry and Government Relations, explains how Westport is leading the transition to a low carbon economy and the environmental benefits we can expect from next generation natural gas engine and vehicle technology. 

Karen Hamberg, VP of Industry and Government Relations

Sustainability and a low carbon economy

Sustainability is at the core of Westport’s business. We are seeing a heightened focus on the environmental performance of the transportation sector on a global scale with these pivotal commitments to the Paris Agreement. As the drive for increased engine efficiency, improved urban air quality and GHG emission reductions increases more pressure is placed on engine and vehicle manufacturers. This, in turn, increases opportunities for us to innovate in order to take a leading role in the transition to a low carbon economy.

Earth Day took place on April 22 and coincided with the signing of the Paris Agreement

So what are we doing to achieve this?

1. Collaborating with key industry partners

We contribute to technical working groups, committees, and advisory panels to learn from other experts, share our expertise and help to build a body of knowledge about the benefits of natural gas vehicles.

A few examples

• Member of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), a global non-profit organization that works with more than 250 member companies to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting, research, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Founding member of the Future of Fuels working group, which exists to identify and promote transportation fuel pathways that enhance the sustainability and availability of emerging alternative fuel choices
• A close working relationship with the Environmental Defence Fund (EDF)  and a contributor to their series of studies, which calculates the full climate impact of natural gas to develop  credible and defensible data about natural gas vehicles and fueling stations. This includes a  better understanding the source and quantity of methane emissions along the natural gas supply chain.[1]

2. Innovating to Help OEMs Meet Strict New Targets

To reduce GHG emissions and meet the targets set out in the Paris Agreement, the commercial vehicle industry faces a steep challenge. Original Equipment manufacturers (OEMs) need to find cost-effective ways to reduce both GHG emissions and conventional emissions such as NOx and particulate matter without compromising vehicle performance and utility.

In the United States, the stringent upcoming EPA/NHTSA Phase Two GHG Regulations 

will introduce new targets for fuel efficiency that will shift the burden of compliance on OEMs away from the engine and onto the vehicle as a whole. These regulations aim to cut GHG emissions by approximately 1 billion metric tons, which equates to the amount of CO₂ produced to power 83.3 million U.S. family homes for a year, and are set to start rolling out in model year (MY) 2021.

Under the draft Phase 2 rule, Westport’s natural gas engine and vehicle technologies are a strong pathway to the long-term reduction of CO₂ emissions that will enable OEMs to exceed the stringent new limits set for light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Matt Godlewski, the President of Natural Gas Vehicles for America, agrees.
“As OEMs strive to create vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the new EPA standards, innovative engineering will be crucial. New natural gas technology, such as the engines Westport’s developing, will provide solutions that reduce emissions, are more cost-effective than electrification, and will stay ahead of the curve with upcoming regulations.”

3. Developing solutions: Westport’s Next Gen Products

Our next-generation natural gas engine and vehicle technologies offer compelling energy, environmental, and sustainability benefits, including GHG emissions reduction. Here is a snap shot of some of the exciting products nearing commercialization.

Westport^TM High Pressure Direct Injection Technology (HPDI 2.0)

The new HPDI injector technology which will lower costs, increase performance and offer improved durability

HPDI 2.0 will be optimum for heavy-duty vehicles and has been developed for integration on factory-built original equipment manufacturer (OEM) engines and trucks.

Benefits

• The only natural gas technology capable of delivering high performance and low fuel consumption equivalent to that of current heavy duty diesel engines
• Limits unburnt methane emissions to less than 0.2% of total fuel flow via its highly efficient combustion process

ISL G Near Zero NOx 8.9L engine

The 8.9L Near Zero NOx engine, which is a joint venture with Cummins Inc., is currently in the late stages of field testing

This engine from Cummins Westport Inc. (CWI), which is available to order in 2016, removes a significant source of methane emissions via the use of closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) technology.

Benefits

• A 70% reduction in engine related methane emissions
• Delivers near-zero NOx emissions performance. NOx emissions from the ISL G Neare Zero are so low that an entire fleet of 1,000 buses equipped with this new engine would have the same NOx emissions as a single 1980s era diesel bus
• Meets proposed EPA/NHTSA Phase 2 GHG regulations

Enhanced Spark Ignition (ESI) technology

The ESI engine, which utilizes spark ignited architecture, will run on 100% CNG or LNG

In the past, the peak torque output of spark ignited natural gas engines has been 15-25 per cent lower than comparable diesel engines. This is set to change though as Westport’s ESI technology will allow natural gas engines to outperform diesel for the first time.

Benefits

• Exceeds the power, torque and performance of state-of-the-art diesel engines
• Improved fuel economy via engine downsizing and other engine efficiency improvements
• Allows vehicle OEMs to avoid expensive electrification / hybridization needed with conventional fuels (diesel and gasoline) to be compliant with proposed EPA/NHTSA Phase 2 GHG regulations.

Find out more

We continue to strive to create leading edge technology that exceeds the requirements of legislation, industry codes and standards. Working with our partners, we are committed to delivering low-emission natural gas solutions that will meet our customers’ demands for high-efficiency, high-performance, and low-carbon transportation both now and in the future.

For more information, visit the Greenhouse Gas Benefits of Natural Gas Vehicles section on the Westport website or email Karen. 

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[1]

We anticipate that the module study covering natural gas vehicle and fuel stations will be published in 2016.

Uncertain future for natural gas vehicles? Think again!

The future of the natural gas vehicle market in an era of cheap diesel fuel and gasoline was a headline topic at last week’s 2016 NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. A record number of fleet owners and managers, OEM reps, equipment suppliers, government delegates and other industry professionals turned up to learn the latest.

Westport’s Brad Douville, VP of Business Development and a mechanical engineer by trade, spoke at the premier industry event, which incorporated the Green Truck Summit and hailed Jay Leno as a key note speaker. So what’s in store? In this article Brad talks about new tech, GHG wins and the stable customer base that’s not going anywhere.

Brad Douville, Westport VP of Business Development

New natural gas vehicle technology

I had a clear goal for my presentation. For industry professionals to leave knowing that, while the natural gas work trucks that we have on the roads right now are great, next-generation technology will make them even better and deliver more compelling benefits than ever before.

To demonstrate this, I showcased Westport’s advanced powertrain technology, which we call Enhanced Spark Ignition (ESI), as well as the new conformable CNG tank technology from San Francisco start-up company—Volute.

So what’s exciting about Westport’s ESI technology? For the first time we have a spark ignited natural gas engine solution that exceeds the power, torque and performance of state-of-the-art diesel engines and provides substantial fuel economy improvements. Up to this point, the peak torque output of spark ignited natural gas engines has been 15% to 25% lower than the counterpart diesel engines. Through our ESI technology, we have re-imagined the possibilities. By relieving the constraint of retaining the diesel cylinder head and designing an entirely new spark ignited optimized head, natural gas engines are able to outperform diesel for the first time. Plus they can do it in a way that improves the robustness of the combustion and reliability of the engine components.

Demonstration engine featuring Westport’s next-generation Enhanced Spark Ignition (ESI) technology – smaller, lighter, more powerful, and more fuel efficient than today’s natural gas engines

For anyone who hasn’t heard of Volute technology before, it’s new, conformable CNG tank technology that uses standard Type IV CNG cylinder materials (i.e. carbon fibre wrapped polymer liner) in a novel hose-like or sausage-link configuration. This makes it a lighter, lower cost system that can be folded to fit on any vehicle using existing available spaces—a real challenge with today’s bulky, standard CNG cylinders. This exciting new natural gas technology has been developed with funding from the US Department of Energy’s ARPA-E MOVE program, combined with investment and expertise from Westport (as an equity owner).

Volute CEO, Dan Recht showing Ernest Moniz, Secretary of Energy, conformable CNG tank technology which was recently featured in online news publication www.fortune.com

GHG wins for OEMs

Stringent upcoming phase two GHG regulations are set to shift the burden on OEMs away from the engine and onto the vehicle itself. This trend leaves few existing options in the work truck segment, other than costly electrification and hybridization. Westport's ESI approach can provide OEMs with a natural gas engine solution that complies with the tough 2027 EPA regulation levels well ahead of time without electrification/hybridization. We believe this will offer the best value for fleet owners (end-users) due to the low purchase price and lowest cost of any fuel on the market.

Stable customer base regardless of current oil price

Waste Management fleet using natural gas

In a time of cheap oil, we have seen fleets that have made natural gas (NG) work continue to stay on this path. Mike Britt, from UPS, did a great job of sharing how NG makes good business sense for them even in the current environment.

We are witnessing savvy fleet owners foreseeing volatility in oil prices and stability in NG prices over the medium- and long-term. This is because running a payback analysis on today's fuel cost differential doesn't do much good when the vehicle fleet will operate over many years. The trick is to compare the average fuel cost differential over time, taking into account that most experts predict the price of oil will go up in the coming years. Using this equation, we believe that many fleet owners will see clear financial benefits for converting to natural gas.

So what’s next for Westport?

Through my interactions with other industry professionals, I am regularly told that many view Westport as a leading innovator within the NGV industry. A company that looks to the future and pushes the boundaries of what is possible to keep advancing technology and creating new solutions for customers. This is a role we will continue to play.

To learn more about the 2016 Ford F-150 and other Ford products with CNG contact us at 855-978-9464, fordsales@westport.com or visit www.westport.com/wing. To find an OEM using larger natural gas engines visit the Cummins Westport webpage. Or contact Brad Douville via bdouville@westport.com to learn more about Westport’s ESI technology or Volute technology.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Phil Hill

Inventor, Pioneer, Founder, Educator, Icon

Perhaps once in a generation, an individual makes a contribution that has such a profound and lasting impact on the world and people around them that they become an icon in their field. Dr. Phil Hill, who passed away peacefully on February 17, 2016, was one of these rare people.

Dr. Hill will be remembered as the visionary inventor of HPDI technology, a true pioneer for the alternative transportation industry and the founder of Westport, which engineers the world's most advanced natural gas engines and vehicles. An inspiration to hundreds of engineering students and industry professionals spanning a career of more than 60 years, his life's work has quite literally affected a positive environmental change through the development of emissions-reducing products.

The Lasting Impact of Dr Hill's Work

Patric Ouellette, former graduate student and colleague, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Westport

"I believe that Phil's innovative thinking really opened a new era for natural gas vehicles. HPDI dramatically expanded the potential reach of natural gas as a fuel in applications such as heavy trucks. This expanded potential gave the industry the confidence to grow and innovate further. I also believe natural gas vehicles contributed to moving the whole field of heavy duty powertrains, used for trucks and buses, towards cleaner solutions. I'm sure Phil would not admit it, but the impact has been huge."

Dr. Phil Hill unveils the first bus to use his HPDI technology in 1998 at Vancouver's UBC

Dr. Phil Hill (left) with Canadian businessman and politician, Herb Dhaliwal, standing in front of a Class 8 truck powered by a Westport™ 15L HPDI engine.

Brad Douville, former graduate student and colleague, Vice President Business Development at Westport

"So many of us have learned so much from Phil. Of course he taught us in such a gifted way all about the thermodynamic principles and foundational combustion science that underpin so much of what we do at Westport, but that's not really what I'm referring to. He taught us humility. He taught us that no matter how much we know we are still at the dawn of understanding with so much more to learn. He taught us to wonder. He taught us to think about the endless possibilities, but forced us to ground them in sound science and equations. He taught us respect. He taught us that no matter what we were working on or what problem we were trying to solve, whether it be technical, commercial or environmental, that it was the most important thing we could be doing and expressed such genuine and honest admiration for it that we'd feel ten feet tall. He, of course, was the giant in the room. It is these special qualities that have become so engrained in the culture at Westport and for which we are so thankful."

Dr. Phil Hill (centre) with Westport engineers

Dr. Phil Hill receiving the 2011 Manning Innovation principal award, valued at $100,000, for his high pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology

Karen Hamberg, colleague, Vice President Natural Gas Industry and Government Relations at Westport

"Dr. Hill was a Canadian innovator whose research and technology leadership has had global reach. The overall performance and emissions characteristics of HPDI have yet to be matched by any clean engine technology. Phil cared deeply about clean air, healthy cities, and environmental stewardship. While his professional accolades are many, Phil was also a tireless volunteer, a generous philanthropist, an active supporter of the United Way of the Lower Mainland's Community Schools program, and a dear colleague and friend."

Dr. Phil Hill—a pioneer for the alternative transportation industry and Westport founder

How To Pay Your Respects

Dr Hill's family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and admiration shared during the final weeks of his life. This has given them a fuller appreciation of his life and the legacy he leaves behind.

The funeral service for Dr. Hill is being attended by family and friends, and will take place on Tuesday, February 23 (see obituary). Anyone who would like to pay their respects can send a card or a note to the family via mail: Westport Reception, 1750 West 75th Avenue Suite 101, Vancouver, BC, V6P 6G2; or email: communications@westport.com. A small donation to either the Order of St. John Palliative Care Foundation or Regent College can be made in lieu of flowers.