Hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks equipped with Dongfeng's T1 new energy platform. [Photo/WeChat account: whkfq]
Dongfeng Motor Corporation unveiled its T1 commercial vehicle new energy platform on May 20, marking a significant leap forward in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The centerpiece of this launch is Dongfeng's self-developed 400-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell stack, the first in China to meet the new national standard for 10,000-hour durability testing and featuring a metal bipolar plate.
These vehicles convert hydrogen into electrical energy to power motors, producing near-zero carbon emissions to align with the current global trend toward green transportation solutions.
Dongfeng Motor, which has established comprehensive independent technology capabilities, spanning core materials, key components, and system assembly, has developed three major fuel cell power platforms — 70 kW, 150 kW, and 400 kW — catering to a wide range of commercial vehicle models.
The 400 kW version is engineered for 49-metric-ton heavy trucks and is capable of starting even in frigid temperatures as low as -40 C, with a design lifespan of up to 30,000 hours.
The T1 commercial vehicle platform addresses several industry challenges. Under diverse road conditions, these trucks achieve hydrogen consumption rates as low as 7 kg per 100 kilometers.
Refueling is swift, taking just 15 minutes to achieve an impressive range of 1,700 kilometers.
On the Wuhan-Chengdu logistics route, Dongfeng Tianlong 49-ton hydrogen-powered tractor trucks equipped with the T1 platform have surpassed a single-vehicle mileage of 60,000 kilometers.
Dongfeng currently holds over 2,000 patents in the hydrogen energy sector, with cumulative sales of hydrogen vehicles exceeding 9,200 units. Their vehicles operate in more than 40 cities across China.
