Onboard Dynamics Secures $3 Million in Funding from ARPA-E and Strategic Partners

Onboard Dynamics, an innovator in CNG refueling, has received $3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), Portland Seed Fund, NW Natural and other utilities, and private investors.

“This additional funding commitment puts Onboard Dynamics on track to become a financially sustainable provider of affordable CNG refueling solutions,” said Rita Hansen, CEO of Onboard Dynamics. “Over the next 18 months we will complete development, testing and market introduction of our first products.”

Onboard Dynamics is currently pursuing two CNG refueling solutions, based on novel technology for both on and off vehicle applications. These include a fully integrated onboard engine-compressor system, and a standalone, mobile, self-powered compressor system.

Onboard Dynamics’ technology uses the automotive engine’s own power to compress natural gas during the refueling process, which would open up the existing natural gas distribution system to CNG vehicles.

“Not only would their technology make natural gas more economically feasible for fleet vehicles, but it would help reduce transportation-related air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Jim Huston, managing director of Portland Seed Fund.

Onboard Dynamics previously received funding support from ARPA-E, ONAMI, Oregon BEST, Oregon State University, and the Portland Seed Fund, Oregon’s most active venture capital fund, among other partners and private investors.