Chinese automaker Dongfeng has introduced a new 400 kW fuel cell system for heavy-duty trucks, claiming it can power vehicles weighing up to 49 tonnes with a range of up to 1,700 kilometers on a single fill.
New fuel cell system targets long-haul trucking
The “Hydrogen Core” system was unveiled at an event in Wuhan, where Dongfeng also debuted a compatible vehicle platform called T1. The system can operate in temperatures as low as -40°C and has a service life exceeding 30,000 hours.
Dongfeng now offers three hydrogen fuel cell platforms, with power outputs of 70 kW, 150 kW, and the new 400 kW model. The latest version is the first in China to use metal bipolar plates and has passed a 10,000-hour endurance test under updated national standards.
The platform is marketed exclusively for hydrogen applications, serving as a foundation for large-scale commercial operation of fuel cell trucks. The company has not clarified whether the T1 platform can support other powertrains.
Performance claims and real-world questions
According to Dongfeng, its hydrogen trucks consume 7 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometers, with a 49-tonne tractor unit weighing 8.8 tonnes. Refueling takes 15 minutes, and the system can achieve ranges up to 1,700 kilometers under China’s CLTC test cycle.
That cycle produces more optimistic range estimates than Europe’s WLTP standard, which accounts for higher speeds and less stop-and-go traffic. The 1,700-kilometer figure represents a best-case scenario rather than typical real-world performance.
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Dongfeng reports its existing hydrogen-powered trucks and passenger cars have logged over one million kilometers in actual use. No details were provided on how many vehicles this total represents or how their performance compares to the new system.
The push for hydrogen in heavy transport addresses weight concerns. Diesel trucks in this class often carry fuel tanks that add significant mass, while hydrogen systems offer comparable energy density with lighter storage. This trade-off affects payload capacity, particularly in markets with strict gross vehicle weight limits.
Cold-weather performance could give Dongfeng an advantage in northern China, where subzero temperatures reduce battery-electric vehicle efficiency. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but durability claims suggest the company is targeting fleet operators who value uptime over initial costs.
The T1 platform includes an intelligent energy system and battery backup. How these components interact with the fuel cell has not been explained. Dongfeng’s long-term strategy relies on hydrogen outperforming batteries in long-haul applications, though infrastructure remains a challenge.
China has expanded its hydrogen refueling network, but stations are still concentrated in industrial hubs rather than along major freight routes.