Navistar International Corp. said it reached an agreement with EcoMotors International to support EcoMotors’ “opposed-piston, opposed-cylinder” technology, which one day could power heavy-duty trucks.

Navistar said EcoMotors’ first product targeted for commercial application is a turbo-diesel version of its technology.

“EcoMotors’ patented engine design creates a groundbreaking internal-combustion engine family architecture that will operate on a number of different fuels, including gasoline, diesel, natural gas and ethanol,” the company said in a statement.

EcoMotors, Troy, Mich., said it hoped to have a heavy-duty military truck prototype ready in 18 months, with commercial applications to follow.

Two of privately held EcoMotors’ main investors are Vinod Khosla, owner of venture capitalist firm Khosla Ventures, and Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates.