Caterpillar, Westport to develop natural gas-fueled equipment

Westport Innovations Inc. has signed agreements with Caterpillar Inc. to co-develop natural gas technology for off-road equipment, including mining trucks.

The companies will combine technologies and expertise, including Westport’s High Pressure Direct Injection technology and Caterpillar’s off-road engine and machine product technology, to develop the natural gas fuel system. Caterpillar will fund the development program. When the products go to market, Westport expects to participate in the supply of key components.

“This is a significant opportunity that has the potential to transform important segments of the global off-road equipment industries,” says David Demers, CEO of Westport Innovations. “The substantial price difference between natural gas and diesel fuel is resulting in a strong financial incentive to enable off-road applications to take advantage of low natural gas energy costs without sacrificing operational performance.”

Development programs will start immediately for both new and existing engines, combustion technology and fuel systems. Commercial production is expected to begin in about five years.