Dongfeng surprises with its hydrogen trucks: up to 1,700 km of range and only 15 minutes for refueling
Dongfeng has just unveiled a new batch of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, three trucks developed on the T1 platform—a next-generation architecture that integrates a fuel cell, hydrogen storage, battery, electric propulsion system, electronic control, and thermal management. The company claims a range of up to 1,700 kilometers on a single refueling, along with a charging time of just 15 minutes.
According to data provided by the brand, the platform uses a 400 kW hydrogen fuel cell capable of achieving over 58% efficiency under normal operating conditions. Its specific power density reaches 1,350 W/kg, and its equivalent service life is up to 33,000 hours. Additionally, the system has passed a 10,000-hour durability test in accordance with China’s new national standards.
Dongfeng claims that vehicles developed on the T1 platform can reduce fuel consumption to 7 kg per 100 kilometers. For the 49-ton tractor, its empty weight is 8.8 tons, and with this combination of mass, fuel consumption, storage capacity, and fast refueling, the company states it can achieve a range of 1,700 kilometers. This figure is not theoretical or based on certification, but rather represents the actual operating range according to the manufacturer.
The lineup presented consists of three vehicles
The DONGFENG-1 is a 6x2 tractor primarily designed for long-distance transportation, equipped with hydrogen storage capacity suitable for such trips. It also features the new SUPER cab, designed to provide more space, comfort, and advanced technological amenities. The second model is the DONGFENG-2, a smaller 4x2 tractor aimed at resource transportation, engineered to combine hydrogen and electric power usage based on the requirements of each journey.
The third model, called DONGFENG-3, has a refrigerated body and is intended for urban, regional, and intercity transportation tasks. The company highlights its long range, ability to maintain a stable temperature in the cargo area, and reduction of losses associated with transporting sensitive goods.
Although all three use the 400 kW fuel cell stack, the T1 platform is not limited to it, and Dongfeng has also shown 120 and 150 kW fuel cell systems. The former is intended for light buses, light commercial vehicles, and passenger cars, with applications including 4.5-ton refrigerated vans and 8-ton light trucks. The 150 kW system, on the other hand, is designed for medium and large buses, medium and heavy-duty trucks, dump trucks, and tractors.
A hydrogen hybrid system as well
The company has enhanced this offering with a hybrid system that combines a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine with electric technology. This engine has a displacement of 16.2 liters, generates 412 kW of power, and produces a maximum torque of 2,500 Nm. Dongfeng states that it can operate in 14 different modes, including electric driving, hybrid mode, extended range, regenerative braking, and charge maintenance.
Tang Jing, deputy general manager of DONGFENG’s Commercial Vehicles Division, said: “Hydrogen represents one of the key pathways for commercial vehicles to achieve zero carbon emissions in all types of usage scenarios and throughout their entire lifecycle. It also serves as a promising energy source for future clean mobility.”