Westport Fuel Systems has released what it believes is a breakthrough solution that will expand the addressable market for high-pressure direct injection (HDPI) engines in the natural gas sector.
Westport’s HPDI system has been commercially available for several years as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) solution. This LNG HPDI technology is now operating in more than 30 countries, powering over 9,000 trucks worldwide. However, in many markets with extensive pipeline infrastructure and abundant natural gas resources — particularly in North America — Westport believes that a compressed natural gas (CNG) solution is a better fit than LNG.
Until now, CNG has not been an option for the HPDI system.
Which is why Westport is revealing today a proprietary CNG solution that leverages advanced high-pressure storage technology, designed to deliver the performance required for HPDI. Westport says this breakthrough enables faster time-to-market for CNG-powered HPDI applications and prioritizes reduced lifecycle costs by optimizing system design.
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The new platform will expand HPDI’s reach to markets that require a CNG-based solution, enhancing its accessibility and economic advantages. Field testing for Westport’s CNG solution is expected to begin in 2026, with the path to commercialization expected to follow, the company says.
“Westport is redefining what’s possible for natural gas-powered transportation,” says CEO Dan Sceli. “Our goal has always been to deliver practical, affordable and scalable solutions for fleets that need reliability and performance without compromising sustainability. We believe that CNG with HPDI will give operators a clear advantage over other low-carbon technology options — helping fleets reduce costs, cut emissions and stay competitive in a changing market.”
“Conventional and renewable natural gas are among the cleanest, most affordable, and scalable motor fuels,” adds Daniel Gage, president of The Transport Project, a Washington D.C.-based coalition of North American fleets, equipment and engine manufacturers, fuelers, and fuel producers that advances the growth and deployment of practical, clean, gaseous fuels for commercial transportation.
“The use of renewable natural gas in transportation has grown by 93% in the past five years. Westport’s CNG solution will introduce a new natural gas technology for the North American market, which along with CNG’s low cost and stable pricing, will increase product options for commercial fleets and further the case for natural gas as the best alternative to diesel,” Gage says.
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Westport is already operating on the road. An engineering truck equipped with a CNG system in Vancouver, Canada, is showcasing some of the potential of the technology’s real-world performance and fuel efficiency.
Additionally, the company plans to have demonstration trucks with the full proprietary CNG system operating real-world fleet applications in 2026, as Westport expands customer demonstration programs to validate the system’s benefits under diverse operating conditions, the company says.
“The transportation industry recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas-based solutions while maintaining operational efficiency,” adds Sceli. “By providing a CNG solution for HPDI, we can bring the benefits enjoyed by customers in Europe to North America.”
