Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Achates Signs Development Contracts with 2 More Manufacturers

Achates Power, the developer of modern two-stroke, opposed-piston engines, says it has secured another contract with a leading global original-equipment manufacturer. The company now has five customers for whom it is developing variations of its designs.

Tom Berg
Tom BergFormer Senior Contributing Editor
Read Tom's Posts
December 11, 2014
Achates Signs Development Contracts with 2 More Manufacturers

Photo via Achates Power.

2 min to read


Photo via Achates Power.

Achates Power Inc., the developer of modern two-stroke, opposed-piston engines, says it has secured another contract with a leading global original-equipment manufacturer. The company now has five customers  for whom it is developing variations of its designs.

Ad Loading...

The customers represent five different engine applications: passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle, heavy commercial vehicle, military, and marine and stationary power, according to David Johnson, president and CEO of Achates Power.

Ad Loading...

Three of the customers require Achates to keep their identities confidential. Two whose contracts have been announced are Fairbanks Morse, which has built large OP diesels of earlier designs since the late 1930s; and the U.S. Army’s Tank Automotive, Research, Development and Engineering Center, which is funding work on a light/medium-truck diesel.

The designs will enable users to meet the world’s most stringent current and future fuel efficiency and emissions standards, which include EPA 2010, Euro 6 and Tier 3/LEV 3, among others, without additional cost or complexity, Johnson said.

Customers are based in the United States, Japan, Europe, China and India. Its current engine programs range from 45 hp to more than 5,000 hp.

Achates has experienced record growth throughout 2014, with annual revenue increasing by more than 300%, he said. It has expanded its staff and added facilities near its headquarters and labs in the San Diego area.

 “Our substantial investment has enabled extensive research, development and testing so that our engine technology will reach production within this decade,” Johnson added. 

Ad Loading...

More Fuel Smarts

Range Energy eTrailer.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 17, 2026

Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears

Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.

Read More →
Circles with trucks demonstrating sustainable features and Top Green Fleets logo
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 16, 2026

Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended

Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Podcast thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with diesel pump in the background and photo of the woman guest
Fuel SmartsApril 9, 2026

Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]

When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail saying "How to Save on Fuel Costs" with woman's photo and a photo of a diesel price pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 9, 2026

Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?

Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 7, 2026

Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies

Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.

Read More →
Blue Volvo European cabover truck on snowy road
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseApril 1, 2026

Volvo Testing Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines on Trucks in Europe

Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks, according to the company.

Read More →
Three CEOs pose displaying binders with memorandum of understanding
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 1, 2026

Toyota’s Entry Into Cellcentric Signals Push to Accelerate Hydrogen Truck Adoption

By joining Daimler Truck and Volvo, Toyota brings fuel cell expertise to a joint effort aimed at making hydrogen viable for heavy-duty transport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration with oil wells, dollar bills, and a diesel fuel pump
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 31, 2026

U.S. Diesel Prices Hit $5.40, Top $7 in California

Trucking operators are slowing speeds, cutting empty miles, and declining unprofitable freight as diesel costs continue to rise due to conflict in the Middle East.

Read More →