DONGFENG Showcases Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Technology at IAA 2026
September 14,2026
The 72nd IAA Transportation opened in Hannover on September 14.
Under the theme “With DONGFENG, Drive HYDROGEN,” DONGFENG is displaying three hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles and making the global debut of its 400kW hydrogen fuel cell technology.
The exhibition highlights DONGFENG’s nearly 30 years of work in hydrogen technology and commercial vehicle applications.
Hydrogen Technology from Fuel Cells to Complete Vehicles
As commercial vehicles move toward zero emissions, hydrogen is becoming an important power option for long-distance transport.
DONGFENG started developing and applying hydrogen fuel cell technology nearly 30 years ago.
Today, the company has developed its own technology covering materials, fuel cell systems and complete vehicles, with solutions ranging from 20kW to 400kW.
DONGFENG says its hydrogen vehicles have been tested in commercial operations in more than 40 cities in China, with more than 10,000 vehicles in operation.
At IAA Transportation 2026, the company is presenting several hydrogen vehicles and power systems.
T1 New-Energy Commercial Vehicle Platform
DONGFENG is also introducing its T1 new-energy commercial vehicle platform.
The platform is developed around real transport applications and integrates hardware and software into one system.
It includes six main modules: the fuel cell module, hydrogen storage module, power battery module, electric drive module, central domain control system and integrated thermal management module.
The 400kW hydrogen fuel cell stack uses optimized catalysts and membrane electrodes. Its efficiency exceeds 58% under common operating conditions.
The hydrogen storage system provides a maximum range of 1,700 kilometers on one refueling.
The integrated thermal management system supports more than 30 intelligent control modes to improve temperature control and reduce energy consumption.
The six modules work together to reduce hydrogen consumption and improve vehicle weight, service life and safety.
The platform also uses intelligent control technology for high-power fuel cells, combined with Predictive Cruise Control (PCC) and V2X technology.
These systems can adjust power output in advance based on road and vehicle conditions. This helps reduce hydrogen consumption during long-distance transport and improve fuel cell durability.
Vehicles based on the T1 platform can have a minimum curb weight of 8.8 tons. Hydrogen consumption is below 7 kg per 100 km, while the fuel cell stack has an equivalent service life of more than 33,000 hours.
The technology is mainly designed for commercial operations such as long-haul heavy-duty transport.
Three Hydrogen Commercial Vehicles
DONGFENG is displaying three hydrogen commercial vehicles based on the T1 platform.
DONGFENG-1 is designed for long-distance trunk logistics.
It uses a large hydrogen storage capacity and a high-power configuration to help reduce operating costs on long-distance routes.
The vehicle also features DONGFENG’s new-generation SUPER cab, which provides more space and improved driving comfort.
DONGFENG-2 is designed for resource transportation.
The vehicle can use hydrogen or electricity depending on the transport route and available refueling or charging infrastructure.
This allows operators to choose the power source according to different operating conditions.
DONGFENG-3 is designed for urban cold-chain delivery.
The vehicle can be used to transport fresh food and pharmaceuticals, as well as for urban and intercity deliveries.
It focuses on range, refrigeration performance and transport efficiency, while helping reduce cargo loss.
Three Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems
In addition to the hydrogen vehicles, DONGFENG is displaying three hydrogen fuel cell systems using 120kW, 150kW and 400kW fuel cell stacks.
The company is also displaying a hydrogen internal combustion engine hybrid system.
The 400kW fuel cell system is designed for long-distance trunk transport, heavy loads, cold climates and high-altitude operations.
It offers a maximum efficiency of 65%, a power density of 1,350 W/kg and a dynamic response of 60kW/s.
The system has an equivalent service life of 33,000 hours and supports cold starts at temperatures as low as -40°C.
The 150kW fuel cell system is designed for medium and large buses, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, dump trucks and tractors.
It uses an integrated design and aims to balance vehicle purchase costs and operating efficiency. It also offers high reliability, long service life and strong environmental adaptability.
The 120kW fuel cell system is designed for light buses, light commercial vehicles and passenger cars.
Typical applications include 4.5-ton cold-chain delivery vehicles and 8-ton light trucks for intercity transport.
The system offers high integration, high reliability, low noise and strong environmental adaptability.
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Hybrid System
DONGFENG is also displaying a hydrogen internal combustion engine hybrid system.
The system is based on DONGFENG’s multi-energy heavy-duty engine platform.
The engine has a displacement of 16.2L, a maximum power of 412kW and a maximum torque of 2,500N·m.
It supports 14 operating modes, including pure electric driving, hybrid driving, range extension, braking and battery charge retention.
These modes allow the system to adjust power output according to different operating conditions and improve overall efficiency.
Expanding Hydrogen Technology to More Markets
DONGFENG sees hydrogen as an important technology route for reducing emissions from commercial vehicles.
At IAA Transportation 2026, the company is presenting fuel cell technology, hydrogen commercial vehicles and a hydrogen internal combustion engine hybrid system.
DONGFENG plans to continue developing hydrogen technologies and products and expand their use in commercial vehicles.
The company also plans to work with research institutions, supply chain companies and dealers around the world to bring hydrogen commercial vehicles to more markets and applications.
Source : www.chinatrucks.org
Editor : Sarah
Views : 1572
