Dongfeng displays three H2 trucks and 400-kW fuel cells
Dongfeng showcased three truck models at IAA Transportation that are based on its new hydrogen-electric T1 platform. Among them, the 400-kW fuel cell system stands out, as Dongfeng claims it enables a "realistic range of 1,700 kilometers."
Image: Dongfeng
Dongfeng is one of China’s major state-owned automobile manufacturers. In addition to passenger cars, the company headquartered in Wuhan also produces trucks and buses. According to its own statements, Dongfeng has been involved in the development of fuel cell drives for vehicles for decades and now boasts “a comprehensive portfolio of fuel cell stacks with power outputs ranging from 20 to 400 kW.” Around 10,000 vehicles are said to be in use in China equipped with its own fuel cell technology. Dongfeng now aims to leverage this operational experience to find global partners. Therefore, the vehicles displayed in Hannover are not set for an immediate market launch in Europe. Rather, Dongfeng’s primary goal was to demonstrate its “proven practical expertise” and gain recognition in this region.
Three fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) based on the recently introduced T1 platform were on display in Hanover. The DONGFENG-1 is a 6×2 long-haul tractor truck equipped with large hydrogen storage tanks. The DONGFENG-2 is a smaller 4×2 tractor truck, while the DONGFENG-3 is an H2 truck designed for urban and regional transportation, featuring a refrigerated cargo area.
Dongfeng also presented its hydrogen fuel cell systems featuring 120-kW, 150-kW, and 400-kW stacks, along with a hybrid system incorporating a hydrogen internal combustion engine. The 400-kW system, designed for long-distance use, is said to achieve an efficiency of 58 percent, a gravimetric power density of 1,350 W/kg, and a service life of 33,000 hours. The 150-kW system is positioned as a power source for medium and large buses, as well as medium and heavy trucks, dump trucks, and tractors. “It strikes a balance between purchase cost and operational efficiency, offering high integration levels, high reliability, long service life, and strong adaptability to various environmental conditions,” says the manufacturer. The 120-kW system is suitable for light buses, light commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. Among the typical
In terms of application areas, Dongfeng mentions here refrigerated transport vehicles weighing around 4.5 tons or light trucks in the 8-ton class.
Image: Dongfeng
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For context: Dongfeng had already announced the new 400-kW fuel cell system named “Hydrogen Core” in May, describing it at the time as China’s first hydrogen fuel cell platform with metal bipolar plates that “passed the 10,000-hour endurance test according to the new national standards.” This move comes as China has established stricter regulations to ensure vehicle quality.
Regarding the T1 platform, the company specified back in May that it features these four key aspects: low energy consumption, light weight, fast refueling, and high safety. The manufacturer supported this claim with specific figures as well: “Based on tests in both mountainous and flat areas, the hydrogen vehicles produced by Dongfeng achieved a hydrogen consumption of only 7 kg per 100 kilometers.” Dongfeng reported an empty weight of 8.8 tons for an H2 tractor with a maximum total weight of 49 tons, and a refueling time of about 15 minutes. In May, Dongfeng cited a range of up to 1,700 kilometers. Additionally, the platform is said to be equipped with an intelligent and distributed energy system as well as a battery system.
Dongfeng reiterated the mileage figure at the current exhibition, stating “a real range of 1,700 kilometers.” Tang Jing, Dongfeng’s deputy general manager for the commercial vehicle division, commented, “Hydrogen represents one of the most important pathways for commercial vehicles to achieve CO2-neutral emissions across all application scenarios and throughout their entire lifecycle. […] Building on its 400 kW core technology for vehicle fuel cells, Dongfeng is bringing tailored integrated solutions based on hydrogen energy and hydrogen-electric drive to the market, specifically designed for freight scenarios in various markets. With an open attitude and a spirit of cooperation, Dongfeng is ready to work globally with partners from the supply chain, renowned research institutions, and other industry players.”
to work together with colleagues. Our goal is to jointly develop core technologies, establish industry standards, share access to industrial-scale production capacity, and explore global markets in order to foster a more open, cooperative, and prosperous global ecosystem for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.