Westport Fuel Systems has inked a development and supply agreement with Tata Motors for its 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder natural gas spark-ignited commercial vehicle engine family to meet the Indian Government’s new Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards, scheduled to take effect in April, 2020.
Westport has been working with Tata since 2012 and has partnered to develop and launch its current BS-IV-certified natural gas spark-ignited engines for commercial vehicles. With the new programme, Westport has been developing its next-generation of natural gas spark-ignited engines to meet BS-VI emission standards.
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On completion of the programme, Westport will supply critical natural gas components to Tata Motors, including gas injection systems and controls, featuring the new Westport WP582 Engine Management System.
“Tata Motors is a leader in heavy duty natural gas vehicles in the Indian market and a leading vehicle and engine manufacturer globally,” said Westport Fuel Systems EVP, Maurizio Grando.
“Our longstanding partnership combined with our position as a technology leader and our global footprint allows us to commercialise natural gas engine technologies that provide a competitive solution for our OEM partner.”
BS-VI standards, which are equivalent to Euro-VI standards, are two steps ahead of the BS-IV standards currently in effect due to heightened concerns surrounding India’s air quality levels. Recent rules enacted in Delhi and the National Capital Region place limits on diesel and petrol vehicles while mandating natural gas for commercial vehicles such as taxis and city buses.
Environmental benefits of the BS-VI compared to BS-IV, include an 87% reduction in tail pipe NOx emissions and 55% drop in methane emissions.
India is one of the world’s largest commercial vehicles markets. According to NGV Global statistics, India currently has more than 3m natural gas powered vehicles, up 69% since last year, with more than 1,200 compressed natural gas fuelling stations.
In addition, the Ministry for Road Transportation and Highways has approved plans to develop liquefied natural gas fuelling stations across the country.
