Canadian-based Westport Innovations Inc. has obtained California low-emissions certification for a Cummins truck engine with a Westport natural gas fuel system.

The California Air Resources Board provided the certification, which applies to Westport's natural gas fuel system installed in a Cummins ISX truck engine. When this newly certified engine successfully completes an extensive field trial now under way, Cummins will have the broadest range of California low-emissions products.
"We are delighted that a 15-liter Cummins heavy-duty engine now meets California's low-emissions requirements," said Tom Kieffer, Cummins executive director of marketing. "For the first time, truck fleet operators have the opportunity to plan for a natural gas truck that performs as well as a heavy-duty diesel fuel truck at all speeds and loads."
The Westport natural gas truck engine is the most powerful low-emissions engine certified by CARB, with 1,450 pounds-feet of torque and up to 435 horsepower.
Under California regulations, the ISX engine with Westport's fuel system is certified for emissions of no more than 2.5 grams per horsepower-hour of oxides of nitrogen (NOx). With this designation, purchasers of the Westport system can apply for state incentive funding.
Westport began road tests in May 2000 for its first truck equipped with the proprietary natural gas fuel system and a Cummins ISX engine. Customer field trials began in January with a focus on the California market.