Achates Power and Aramco Services sign agreement to speed up development of new efficient and clean powertrain choices

Achates Power, Inc. and Saudi Aramco’s U.S.-based subsidiary Aramco Services Company (ASC) have signed a joint development agreement providing the framework for the two companies to work together on a series of Opposed-Piston (OP) Engine projects, which will speed up the development of new efficient, low-emissions powertrain choices.

The joint development agreement formalizes the cooperative relationship between the two companies. The first result of this agreement is the demonstration vehicle that will be shown at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), a light-duty truck with an Opposed-Piston Gasoline Compression Ignition (OPGCI) Engine.

“We have significant experience within the global fuel technology team related to fuels and engines, and we’re impressed by the work that Achates Power has done to bring their efficient, low-emissions Opposed-Piston Engine forward,” said David Cleary, director of the Aramco Research Center in Detroit, Mich., U.S.A. “The Achates Power OP Engine has the potential to revolutionize the internal combustion engine. Our joint collaboration with Achates Power is part of our larger R&D program to develop a full range of sustainable transport technologies.”

“Aramco has incredible research and development capabilities, focused on improving the emissions and efficiency of the internal combustion engine, and we’re happy to be working with them on the continued development of the OP Engine,” said David Johnson, president and CEO, Achates Power.

“The 2.7L engine OPGCI engine we’re showing at NAIAS is a great first example of the combination of expertise from both Achates Power and Aramco and we’re looking forward to what the future holds.”

The joint development agreement will help Achates Power, with more than 100 employees in San Diego, Calif., U.S.A., and metro Detroit, to respond to a growing list of customers, as well as continue research and development work.