The Volvo Penta TAD1353GE is a 12.8-liter, 6-cylinder inline 6 diesel engine used in commercial and industrial generator applications in the 400-515 kW class. Turbocharged Intercooled for reliable power density across standby and prime-rated duty cycles.
This engine powers generators from Blue Star Power Systems, Gillette, Hipower Systems, making it one of the more widely deployed prime movers in its power class for the commercial standby market.
Generator models that ship with or are commonly paired with the Volvo Penta TAD1353GE.
Blue Star Power Systems
Blue Star VD400-01
Open Basler controller + Volvo Penta engine + Stamford alternator — no proprietary lock-in. Serviceable by any qualified tech, not just the dealer.
400 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled
400 kW diesel standby for industrial, campus, and data center facilities where value engineering and non-proprietary component access matter.
400 kW Tier 3 diesel standby generator from Blue Star Power Systems. Volvo Penta TAD1353GE 12.8L inline-six with DSE DCP7310 controller, 208-600V output.
Tier 33-phasecommerciallarge-commercial
Gillette
Gillette SPVD-4000
Factory-direct at 15-30% below major brands. Volvo Penta 12.8L engine + Basler controller — no proprietary lock-in. 3-7 day lead times.
400 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled
400 kW diesel standby for hospitals, data centers, hotels, and large commercial or campus facilities.
400 kW stationary diesel standby generator with Volvo Penta TAD1353GE 12.8L engine. Stamford S4L1DG alternator, Basler DGC-2020 controller. Made in USA.
Tier 33-phasecommercialhospital
Hipower Systems
Hipower HDI-400V
Data center-grade features at 15-25% below Cat/Cummins/Kohler — full vertical integration with NFPA 110 L1, seismic, and 200 mph wind ratings.
400 kW standby · Diesel · Liquid-cooled
Cost-conscious data centers, hospitals, and industrial facilities needing Big 4 specs at Tier 2 prices.