Westport awarded US$2.25 million to support development of next generation heavy-duty LNG fuel system

published: February 13, 2008

VANCOUVER, BC – Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX:WPT), a global leader in alternative fuel, low-emissions transportation technologies, today announced it has been awarded US$2.25 million in funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The funding will support the development, demonstration, commercialization and certification of Westport’s heavy-duty LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuel system for the Cummins ISX to meet the U.S. EPA 2010 NOx (0.2 g/bhp-hr NOx) emissions standard prior to 2010.

“Working with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the California Energy Commission and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Westport is proud to be paving the way in helping our customers meet the highest emissions standards in the world today,” stated Michael Gallagher, President and Chief Operating Officer of Westport.

“In order to meet our clean air goals here in Southern California, we need to accelerate the deployment of clean-fueled heavy-duty vehicles. This investment in Westport’s clean vehicle technology is an important step in making this goal a reality,” said Barry Wallerstein, SCAQMD Executive Officer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Westport will receive US$1.25 million from the SCAQMD, US$250,000 from each port and US$500,000 from the CEC.

About Westport’s LNG System for Heavy-Duty Trucks

Westport's liquefied natural gas system for heavy-duty trucks offers class-leading emissions, including lower greenhouse gas emissions than comparable diesel engines, and allows trucking fleets to move to lower-cost, domestically available natural gas and/or biogas. Based on the industry-leading Cummins ISX diesel engine with cooled EGR, the LNG version of the engine offers the same horsepower, torque, and efficiency as the base diesel engine rating it is replacing. The Westport LNG system is currently certified by CARB and the US EPA to 0.8g/bhp-hr oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 0.01g/bhp-hr Particulate Matter (PM).

Currently offered in the Kenworth T-800 and available for delivery, the 2007 Westport LNG system is available with 400 and 450 horsepower ratings and up to 1,750 lb-ft torque for heavy-duty port, goods distribution and other commercial truck applications. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer range requirements. Trucks are eligible for a federal tax credits in the United States and may be eligible for other state-specific emissions credits.