Westport Innovations Inc. has updated its roll-out schedule for its second-generation HPDI 2.0 natural gas vehicle engine injectors with plans to deliver the components to manufacturers in early 2016 and begin testing with fleet customers by the middle of the year, the company announced Nov. 2.

Westport expects to deliver production design intent injectors to OEM customers in mid-2016 for vehicle integration, engine testing, certification, and initial customer field testing. The company says the HPDI 2.0 will integrate easily into fleet operations with the same horsepower, torque, and driveability as the equivalent diesel truck.

The HPDI 2.0 will only require minimal mechanical changes to the base diesel engine because only custom fuel injectors, fuel supply, and pumps are substituted for the traditional diesel components. The engine operates with the same internal components, in-cylinder pressure, and temperature as the base diesel engine.  Westport states that virtually no changes are made to powertrain, cooling system, or emissions equipment, according to a release.

Originally announced on Sept. 30, 2014, Westport has since worked with its development partners and suppliers to complete component testing and system validation. These partners include Delphi Automotive PLC, who will produce key fuel injection system components for HPDI 2.0. The latest generation of HPDI injectors, developed under a joint agreement with Delphi, feature a new direct connected architecture and incorporate technologies from both companies and higher performance, lower cost, and much easier packaging on the engine than prior HPDI injection system.

Within the next 3 years, Delphi and Westport are intending to invest in and develop annual production capacity in excess of 100,000 injectors. Manufacturing systems engineering and initial equipment orders for production are now underway, according to Westport.