An Anhui-based firm is planning to manufacture state-of-the-art OPOC engines.
The deal is signed Image: Ecomotors |
Zhongding Power, a privately owned Chinese firm, has earmarked $200 million to construct a factory capable of producing EcoMotors’ opposed piston, opposed cylinder (OPOC) engines. The factory is expected to come online in 2014 and will be the first in the world to mass-produce the engines. Once at full capacity, Zhongding expects output from the plant to reach 150,000 units annually.
Detroit-based EcoMotors developed the OPOC engine to be smaller, more cost and fuel-efficient, and also less polluting than current models. The OPOC concept is the brainchild of Peter Hofbauer, a former VW engineer.
The engines are capable of generating between 180-240 bhp, although Zhongding and EcoMotors are in talks to produce a less powerful 80-100 bhp version for smaller passenger cars.