Where in the World is Westport™ WiNG? Driving on CNG from Plymouth to NYC over Four Days

published: May 21, 2012

PLYMOUTH, MI – Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX:WPT / NASDAQ:WPRT) is taking its first natural gas pick-up truck on a road trip across the Eastern USA this week, from May 21 to 24. Driving entirely on compressed natural gas (CNG), a team from Westport Innovations will make the 700 mile drive in the brand new Westport WiNG™ Power System bi-fuel Ford F-250 Super Duty truck.

During stops in Cleveland, OH; Canton, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; and Pottstown, PA; the public will have the chance to view and drive this low carbon fuel vehicle. This will be the first opportunity for many people to see and drive this new product. In New York City, the Ford F-250 will be parked in Times Square.

The “Where in the World is Westport WiNG?” tour will be stopping at: 

• Valley Ford Truck Sales, Cleveland OH – May 21 from noon to 3 p.m.
• SARTA-Clean Energy, Canton OH – May 21 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Allegheny Ford Truck Sales, Pittsburgh PA – May 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• John Kennedy Ford, Pottstown PA – May 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Times Square, New York City, NY – May 24 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Follow the road trip at wingpowersystem.com/media/where-in-the-world-is-westport-wing or on Twitter @WestportWiNG.

CNG at the pump is close to half the price of diesel or gasoline in the US. While there are currently fewer natural gas fueling stations than traditional gasoline stations, the natural gas station numbers are growing, and it’s now possible to do a long-haul trip entirely on natural gas. Organizations like CNGnow.com make it easier with their handy maps of the current stations available. And natural gas is a domestic resource with availability into the next century.

This natural gas-powered Ford F-250 has a 300 mile driving range on CNG alone, and a 650 mile range with both CNG and gasoline tanks full.

“This drive is a chance to highlight all the advantages CNG offers as a fuel for light trucks,” saidJohn Howell, Senior Director, Marketing and Development, Westport LD. “It specifically shows that natural gas availability is growing, and it’s possible to make very long journeys by planning your fuel stops in advance.” 

Bi-fuel capability, provided by the Westport WiNG Power System, eliminates the risk or anxiety in long distance driving.  As the number of CNG stations grows, it will become easier to do extended drives on CNG alone. Using natural gas for transportation fuel saves money, improves the environment and will help to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.

“The new Westport Wing Power System available through Ford continues to show that the OEMs are serious about using CNG and LNG as a transportation fuel,” said Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities Executive Director Rick Price. “Westport, who has been in the leader for years in the heavy duty market, brings its technology to the light duty market. We are excited because fleets are interested in CNG and LNG in this area and numerous refueling stations are to be installed in the next two years.  Alternative fueled vehicles are definitely on the increase in Western Pennsylvania.”

As a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), Westport LD has developed an advanced, fully integrated, bi-fuel system that meets or exceeds original equipment manufacturing (OEM) standards. The WiNG Power System is designed, built, installed and delivered key ready to customers through Westport LD authorized Ford dealers/distributors and is covered by the Ford warranty.

Westport WiNG powered Ford F-250s and F-350s will begin delivery to customers this quarter, with the capacity to help fleet and individual drivers lower their fuel costs significantly.