On September 14, 2026, the 72nd IAA Transportation Show and Supplier Exhibition (IAA Transportation 2026) officially opened in Hannover, Germany, drawing the global commercial vehicle industry into sharp focus. Under the theme “With DONGFENG, Drive HYDROGEN”, Dongfeng Motor presented three hydrogen-powered complete vehicles, alongside the world debut of its 400 kW fuel cell product and key technologies. Positioning itself as a “global zero-carbon value partner”, Dongfeng showcased to the world the results of nearly 30 years of deep engagement in hydrogen energy and its commercialized solutions.
A Wind Rises in the East, Hydrogen Ignites the Future: Sharing Dongfeng’s Answer with the World
In 2026, the global commercial vehicle sector is accelerating its zero-carbon transition. Hydrogen, as a key answer to zero-carbon logistics, has placed scalable, commercial deployment at the strategic center of global truck makers. Dongfeng Motor made an early move into hydrogen fuel cell R&D, application and vehicle manufacturing, and has persisted for nearly 30 years. To date, it has built a full-stack in-house system spanning materials to complete vehicles, covering 20 kW to 400 kW for all-scenario applications, and has completed hydrogen commercialization verification in over 40 Chinese cities, with more than 10,000 cumulative vehicles in operation. Bringing its scaled fleet operating experience to Hannover, Dongfeng looks forward to sharing its answer with global partners and opening a zero-carbon future together.
Tang Jing, Deputy General Manager of Dongfeng Motor’s Commercial Vehicle Division, said in his address: “Hydrogen is one of the key pathways for commercial vehicles to achieve zero-carbon emissions across all scenarios and the full lifecycle, and a clean-energy solution with broad potential for future mobility. Guided by global carbon neutrality goals, Dongfeng continues to drive technological innovation and product deployment to advance the green transition of the transport industry. Leveraging our globally proven 400 kW automotive fuel cell core technology, we are officially launching customized hydrogen and hydrogen-electric integrated solutions precisely tailored to freight scenarios in markets worldwide. With an open mindset and a spirit of cooperation, Dongfeng is ready to work with research institutions, the supply chain, dealers and other ecosystem partners worldwide to build technological advantages, co-develop industry standards, expand global markets, and jointly construct a more open, collaborative and prosperous global hydrogen commercial vehicle ecosystem.”
The T1 New Energy Commercial Vehicle Platform: Dongfeng’s Full-Stack, Hydrogen-Electric Integrated Smart Platform
The centerpiece of the launch was the T1 new energy commercial vehicle platform—the industry’s first all-new platform developed forward from real scenarios, with software and hardware designed as an integrated system.
According to Zhao Feng, T1-H Platform Manager at Dongfeng’s Commercial Vehicle Division, the T1 platform comprises six core modules: fuel cell module, hydrogen storage module, traction battery module, electric drive system module, central domain controller, and integrated thermal management module. The 400 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack achieves over 58% efficiency in common operating conditions through catalyst innovation and MEA optimization; the hydrogen storage module delivers a single-refueling range of up to 1,700 km; and the integrated thermal management module supports more than 30 intelligent temperature-control modes to reduce energy consumption. The six modules work in concert to deliver four core user values—low hydrogen consumption, lightweight design, long service life and high safety. Based on high-power fuel cell full-condition intelligent coordinated control technology—Predictive Cruise Control (PCC) fused with V2X perception—the platform achieves a generational leap from passive response to active prediction in the powertrain, significantly optimizing equivalent hydrogen consumption in long-haul heavy trucks and fuel cell system durability. The complete vehicle weighs as little as 8.8 tonnes, consumes under 7 kg of hydrogen per 100 km, and the stack exceeds 33,000 hours of durability (equivalent life), fully meeting commercial operation requirements.
Benny Oeyen, CEO of the International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association for Europe and the Americas, who has worked in the automotive and energy industries for over two decades and has witnessed Dongfeng’s hydrogen R&D journey firsthand, said: “Dongfeng’s path aligns closely with the global vision of a zero-carbon future. Through real project deployment, Dongfeng has overcome a series of hard engineering challenges, including long-life degradation control for high-power stacks and whole-vehicle energy consumption optimization. The Dongfeng T1 new energy commercial vehicle platform directly addresses logistics industry pain points, delivering a real-world range of up to 1,700 km. Its in-house 400 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack has passed 10,000-hour durability testing, placing its performance in the global top tier. We look forward to close cooperation with the Dongfeng team to bring hydrogen technology solutions to more scenarios and regions worldwide, jointly supporting the decarbonization of global transport.”
Three Models Unveiled: An All-Scenario Hydrogen Commercial Vehicle Matrix
At the launch, three hydrogen-powered vehicles built on the T1 new energy commercial vehicle platform were unveiled simultaneously.
DONGFENG-1 is the endurance specialist for long-haul trunk logistics. With a clear TCO advantage over conventional energy vehicles, its large hydrogen capacity and high-power configuration are purpose-built for long-haul trunk scenarios. The truck also features Dongfeng’s all-new SUPER cab—larger, more comfortable and rich with technology.
DONGFENG-2 is a friendly partner for resource transport. The vehicle is precisely designed around route-specific refueling conditions and charge peak-valley patterns, supporting both hydrogen and electric power to maximize operating value.
DONGFENG-3 is the efficient guardian of urban cold-chain delivery. From fresh food to pharmaceutical cold chain, from urban distribution to intercity trunk routes, it delivers stable range, precise refrigeration and low cargo damage—using hydrogen power to safeguard freshness and safety on every journey.
Also on display were three fuel cell systems equipped with 120 kW, 150 kW and 400 kW hydrogen fuel cell stacks respectively, as well as a hydrogen internal combustion engine hybrid system—presenting Dongfeng’s full-stack technology portfolio in hydrogen energy.
The system mated to the 400 kW hydrogen fuel cell stack targets long-haul trunk, heavy-haul, extreme cold and high-altitude scenarios, with peak efficiency of 65%, gravimetric power density of 1,350 W/kg, dynamic response of 60 kW/s, equivalent life of 33,000 hours, and cold start capability down to -40°C—meeting core customer demands for reliability and durability in long-haul operations.
The system mated to the 150 kW stack is suited to medium and large buses, medium and heavy-duty cargo trucks, dump trucks and tractors, balancing purchase cost with operating economics. It features high integration, high reliability, long life and strong environmental adaptability.
The system mated to the 120 kW stack is suited to light buses, light commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. Typical scenarios include 4.5-tonne cold-chain logistics trucks and 8-tonne light trucks, serving intercity distribution needs with high integration, high reliability, strong environmental adaptability and low noise.
The hydrogen internal combustion engine hybrid system is developed on Dongfeng’s unified multi-energy heavy-duty engine platform. With a displacement of 16.2 L, it delivers a maximum power of 412 kW and peak torque of 2,500 Nm. Based on operating conditions, the system offers 14 working modes—including pure electric, hybrid drive, range extender, braking and battery hold—greatly improving the comprehensive efficiency of hydrogen powertrains in real-world applications.
From a Global Base, For the World: Dongfeng Invites the World to Paint a Shared Blue Sky
“With DONGFENG, Drive HYDROGEN” means that, using hydrogen as a medium and riding the wind of technology, Dongfeng shares a blue sky with partners worldwide. In Chinese culture, “Dongfeng” symbolizes all things thriving and full of vitality, and is synonymous with hope and beauty.
A wind rises in the East and blows toward the world. From technological breakthroughs to supply chain buildout, from regional coordination to standards export, Dongfeng has built a complete, smooth, stable and resilient hydrogen industrial ecosystem. This time, Dongfeng brings not only leading technology and products, but also a proven, replicable hydrogen commercialization solution and operating standards validated in the commercial vehicle market—providing an actionable, referenceable Dongfeng answer for global zero-carbon logistics.
Looking ahead, this is an imperative energy transition, an unprecedented industrial opportunity, and a path of shared, win-win development. Dongfeng Motor stands ready to join hands with global partners to build a green ecosystem and journey together toward a zero-carbon future.
