Main Content: The heavy truck market in September dropped to a freezing point, and the “Golden September” turned into a bubble. In October, 94 new products were announced, with numbers falling short of expectations; Xiamen King Long – Kaiyun Q7 Sci-Fi Mecha Style FCV Dump Truck, and Pengfei – Dongfeng Special Automobile’s Zhi Zi brand fully enters the NEV truck sector; Foton Ouman’s sixth-generation Galaxy Series 9 tractor, with simultaneous expansion of Series 7/5M, and Dongfeng Xinjiang’s new X9 model; new gas products are introduced: New Bei Heavy/Dongfeng Tianlong KX tractor, Shaanxi Heavy Truck/Foton dump truck, and Ouman Galaxy T Series engineering version makes its debut; Jiefang JH5 small four-axle operational base, Liuzhou Qiche’s Chenglong H7 new model, and Skyworth – Yuanchuang Jinli – Rongchu BSEV tractor; Jiefang – Bosch and Chufeng – CDTL electric drive bridge BSEV tractor, FCV from Beiben – Baotou Jening tractor, and Foshan Feichi dump truck.
The heavy truck market in September dropped to a freezing point, and the “Golden September” turned into a bubble. In October, 94 new products were announced, with numbers falling short of expectations.
According to data from the China Automobile Manufacturers Association, in September this year, 57,700 heavy trucks were sold. The traditional “Golden September peak season” not only failed to materialize but also set a new lower limit for 2024, with month-on-month and year-on-year declines of 7.6% and 32.7% respectively. From the monthly sales trends, it is evident that the market in the third quarter was decidedly unfriendly to heavy trucks, suffering a shock after July’s disappointing results. Specifically, sales of semi-trailer tractors reached 28,800 units, a year-on-year decline of 50.6%, indicating a significant loss; sales of heavy trucks (including dump and specialized vehicles) reached 28,900 units, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%. The overall third quarter saw a gradual recovery, becoming one of the few bright spots in the commercial vehicle industry. Cumulatively, from January to September, a total of 682,900 heavy trucks were sold, a year-on-year decline of 3.4%. After supporting sales for eight months, the market finally collapsed, with 362,200 tractors and 320,600 heavy trucks sold. Currently, a stable sales gap of 40,000 units has formed between the two, leading to a qualitative assessment that “tractors will return to the top of the annual rankings” considering that more than half the year has passed.
On the evening of October 15, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released the announcement for the 388th batch of new products for October. The newly identified tractors (whole vehicle caliber) and heavy trucks (chassis caliber) include 46 and 48 models, respectively, both of which have declined but still maintain a high level, setting a good precedent for the fourth quarter. These two categories combined account for a total of 94 new heavy truck products, which ranks among the top three for monthly quantity in 2024. Although there was a month-on-month decline of 12.1%, there was a year-on-year increase of 28.8%. Notably, the average number of heavy trucks in the first half of the year was better than that of tractors, at 46.2 and 43.2 models, respectively. Recently, the industry has begun to see a surge in new product launches as the year-end approaches.
Xiamen King Long – Kaiyun Q7 Sci-Fi Mecha Style FCV Dump Truck, Pengfei – Dongfeng Special Automobile’s Zhi Zi Brand Fully Enters the NEV Truck Sector
On August 26, Xiamen King Long officially announced a collaboration with Beijing Kaiyun Energy Co., Ltd. for an order of 1,000 hydrogen-powered short-distance heavy trucks and 8,000 hydrogen-powered micro logistics vehicles, marking a significant breakthrough in the FCV sector. This partnership has reported the Kaiyun Q7 series XMQ3317RFCEV4 fuel cell dump truck chassis and whole vehicle, initiating commercialization attempts for the signed orders.
- This vehicle features a striking sci-fi mecha style exterior, showcasing Kaiyun Automobile’s unique design philosophy: the cab has a protruding head shape with multiple flat planes creating sharp lines; the front windshield is fitted with side window structures, with the mirror mounts fixed below the angled area; the middle part of the outer panel is raised, integrating the wipers, and the front grille is replaced with smaller slotted cooling openings, with daytime running lights fixed on both sides; the integrated bumper is designed in a rearward-sloping wedge shape, with small round lights as part of the combination lighting. The lower black protective device is inwardly retracted on both sides, forming a rare channel-like corner effect.
- The cab is designed for one occupant, retaining only the driver’s door on the left side. The side skirt features an integrated protective plate, with a wheelbase of 4.4 meters and options for four sets of leaf spring suspension. It is equipped with Xiamen King Long’s 200kW fuel cell + A123 Systems NCM power battery, and a 400kW electric drive system from Xiamen King Long, creating an overall vehicle length of 7.6-8.2 meters, with a rated load capacity of 6,735 kg and a range of 310 kilometers.
- Previously, Kaiyun Automobile collaborated with Hebei Hongxing to launch micro BEV pickups, entering the automotive industry, and the subsequent micro logistics vehicles cooperated with Beijing Foton and Chongqing Xinyuan to offer FCV and BSEV models, establishing the “Shenmu Model” for large-scale applications of FCV commercial vehicles, becoming one of the well-known “new forces” in automotive manufacturing.
Dongfeng Special Automobile was previously known for its “novelty” in the Super Dragon bus business. After distancing from the Dongfeng group and coming under the control of Shanxi Pengfei Group, it quickly adjusted its product strategy and began to appear under the “Zhi Zi” brand, which was introduced in February. In the October issue of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s 387th batch of redhead documents, Dongfeng Special Automobile added BEV/FCV trucks and FCV buses (with body skeletons and covering body skins), reflecting a different development approach. This batch includes two FCV tractor models and one BEV heavy truck chassis:
- For tractors, two fuel cell semi-trailer tractors, EQ4251GTFCEV/2, were reported, featuring the same cab as the Dongfeng Huashan HV7 series, with capacity for two occupants. They are powered by Shanghai Kunhua fuel cells + A123 Systems LMO power batteries and Tangshan Ruiwei fuel cells + CATL LFP power battery storage systems, with the Pengfei’s Hubei Pu Wang 410kW electric drive system. The wheelbases are 3,800mm and 4,050mm, allowing for trailers of 37.42/36.87 tons and 36.62 tons, with a maximum speed of 85 km/h.
- For heavy trucks, the EQ1180EVJ1 pure electric cargo vehicle chassis and cargo version were reported, featuring the same cab as the Dongfeng Huashan F5 series, with capacity for 2/3 occupants, a 4.5-meter wheelbase, options for four sets of leaf spring suspension, and equipped with Jiangxi Anchi LFP power batteries, with a dual-box rear placement (a rarity). It features a 200kW electric drive system, resulting in an overall length of 8,410mm and a box length of 3.8 meters, with a rated load capacity of 6.37/6.3 tons and a maximum speed of 89 km/h.
Foton Ouman’s Sixth-Generation Galaxy Series 9 Tractor, Simultaneously Expanding Series 7/5M, Dongfeng Xinjiang’s New X9 Model
By weight class: This month, there are seven sub-divided GVW levels, with a slight reduction in the number of specifications. However, the four-axle 31-ton heavy trucks have surged with 27 models, comparable to the three-axle 25-ton tractors. Both of these categories have become popular styles with five types of fuel. The two-axle 18-ton tractors have nine models and ten heavy trucks, continuing the trend of one rising and one falling; three-axle 24-25 tons total only seven models, showing a “product lowland” trend across the entire commercial vehicle circle.
By fuel type: The shares of diesel and gas in tractors are nearly equal, with five and six models, respectively. The NEV penetration rate stands at 76.1%, with BEV dominating the industry with 27 models. The traditional internal combustion engine for heavy trucks has seen some recovery, with 12 diesel and eight NG models capturing nearly 40% of the market. Although BEV has 18 models, FCV has reached its first peak of the year with 11 models, quietly signaling a resurgence in the hydrogen industry. This batch includes only one new model of alcohol-electric extended-range product, continuing the “bloodline” of hybrid power.
For tractor diesel power, the Max=680 horsepower/500kW engine, specifically the Foton Cummins 14.51L X15NS6B680 diesel engine, is used by the Foton Daimler BJ4259Y6DAM-01 semi-trailer tractor. This vehicle is built on the Ouman Galaxy Series 9 platform introduced on August 28, making it a highlight of this batch. It accommodates 2/3 occupants and features a brand new exterior style, with a Galaxy aesthetic design language: a unified front mask, U-shaped light strip embedded at the lower edge, and a larger chrome “star ring” ornament; a dumbbell-shaped front bumper, with vertically arranged front light clusters integrated with various lighting functions, extending downwards to connect with the step lights, a clever design; the side lines transition naturally with the bumper above, and the left side of the rear is equipped with high-position air intake, with pre-installed parking air conditioning above the rear.
The vehicle’s wheelbase is 3.3/3.45 meters, with options for nine sets of leaf springs or three sets of air suspension, allowing for a maximum trailer weight of 39.8-40 tons. It is available with options for Foton’s 12.89L engines rated at 620/600/560 horsepower or 11.82L engines rated at 520/480 horsepower, with fuel consumption of 34.8/35.3/35.5L/100km. The Galaxy Series 9 launched this time is Ouman’s sixth-generation heavy truck platform, capable of covering all scenarios for road and engineering, as well as both domestic and international markets, and fully covering fuel/gas/electric/hydrogen/hybrid energy sources, with numerous upgrades and innovations in interior and exterior design and smart cockpit features. For the commercial vehicle industry and truck enthusiasts, the launch of platform products by vehicle manufacturers remains a top priority. Currently, the Ouman Galaxy Series 9 is in the pre-launch phase, and we look forward to more follow-up reports.
For tractor diesel power, the Min=430 horsepower/316kW engine, specifically the Weichai 10.52L WP11S430E68 diesel engine, is used by the Shaanxi Heavy Truck SX4259MC4Q3 tractor. It features the Delong M3000S series cab, accommodating 2/3 occupants, with wheelbases of 3,175/3,300/3,375mm, with options for six sets of leaf springs or two sets of rear air suspension, allowing for a maximum trailer weight of 40 tons. It is available with either 460 horsepower from the same family or 480 horsepower from Xi’an Cummins 9.92L. Fuel consumption is uniformly 37.2L/100km. For Shaanxi Heavy Truck, the Delong M3000S has been the longest-standing product line available in the domestic market, currently focusing on maintaining the later stages of the product lifecycle.
Foton Daimler’s Ouman series has simultaneously introduced two new designs: the Galaxy Series 7 and 5M, alongside the earlier first-generation Galaxy, as well as the newly presented Galaxy Series 9 and T series, forming a preliminary product lineup of the “Galaxy Family.” This batch includes two semi-trailer tractors, BJ4259Y6DHL-06 and BJ4259L6DLL-22, covering both diesel and LNG variants. The two new designs can be seen as upgrades to existing versions; Galaxy Series 7 shares similarities with the EST Starry version, while Galaxy Series 5M is akin to the GTL Starwing version, yet both have their own distinct styles: the former adopts a shield-like vertical design, with the front grille defined by silver chrome accents on both sides, featuring eight vertical grilles evenly distributed inside and adorned with silver decorative strips; the vertically arranged headlights form a triangular or “7” shape, with a daytime running light strip along the outer edge, complementing the front grille. The latter adopts a shield-like horizontal style, with a front grille consisting of four wide blackened grilles, accented on both sides with V-shaped silver decorative strips; the integrated bumper includes the new vertically arranged headlights, overall shaped like a pentagon and elongated, with a daytime running light strip dividing the individual lights, giving it a relatively simplistic design.
Dongfeng Xinjiang has expanded the DFV4257/8/9G6 series with 13 newly announced models featuring the new Changxing X9 design, which adopts a completely new design style: the area of the closed front mid-section has been increased, and the trapezoidal air guide at the left and right corners has been optimized to cover deeper toward the front, featuring a through-type decorative light strip, which is rarely seen in commercial vehicles; the integrated bumper includes vertically arranged headlights, with the intake port retained above but significantly reduced in size, and even when including the area below the license plate, it remains limited, seemingly more suitable for electric versions. The remaining parts use contrasting colors, with the blackened sections featuring a closed honeycomb design; the side contour extends from the junction of the outer panel and the integrated bumper, with smooth transitions in the lines, including the wheel arch shape and the side window (currently a blind window version). This Changxing X9 design has domestic counterparts with similar styles, such as the “new force” vehicle from Zero One Auto and the cooperative models from Jirui United/Hubei Sanhuan, and even the Changcheng Zhika from Hebei Changzheng bears similarities. Internationally, there’s the ProCabin cab released by Daimler Trucks in October 2013, adopted by the Benz eActros 600, which can be regarded as “similar models from home and abroad.” Dongfeng Xinjiang previously successfully launched the “internet celebrity hit” Changxing X7 cab, and this new release aligns with the future trend of the electric era, warranting attention to its subsequent performance.
Gas New Products: North Heavy/Dongfeng Tianlong KX Traction, Shan Heavy/Foton Dump, Ouman Galaxy T Series Engineering Version
In the current climate of “gas being all the rage, everyone is going gas,” various new NG products are emerging, and automakers are increasing their layout efforts. This batch also supplements new product lines, such as the following 4×2 traction and 8×4 dump gas new products, available in both LNG and CNG fuel types.
- BAIC Heavy has declared two semi-trailer tractors, BJ4180G6AP/-1, featuring the Dream Chasing series cab, accommodating 2 passengers, marking its first 18-ton LNG model. This series has a wheelbase of 4.8/5.2 meters and offers options for rear-mounted single/double gas cylinder configurations with various cylinder specifications, as well as seven groups of front leaf springs and rear air suspension, capable of towing trailers weighing between 33.37-34.1 tons or 32-32.9 tons, matched with Cummins 14.5L gas engines rated at 580/530/500 horsepower.
- Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle has announced the DFH4180C4 semi-trailer tractor, utilizing the Tianlong flagship KX series cab and accommodating 2 passengers, making it the first 18-ton LNG model in this series. This vehicle has a wheelbase of 5.4 meters and can be configured with rear-mounted or axle-mounted single/double gas cylinder options to meet various operational mileage requirements for road transport, featuring 3/2 leaf springs in the front, rear air suspension, and can tow trailers weighing 32.97/32.67 tons, matched with Cummins 14.5L gas engines rated at 630/580 horsepower, with single vehicle exceeding 600 horsepower, which reflects the direct embodiment of Dongfeng’s flagship model.
- Foton Daimler has announced the BJ3319C6GRL-01 dump truck chassis and complete vehicle, powered by CNG fuel, with multiple configurations for rear-mounted and axle-mounted gas cylinder groups, featuring the Ouman Kunlun series cab, accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 4.8 meters and optional two groups of leaf spring suspension, matched with Foton Cummins 14.5L engines rated at 580/530 horsepower, forming a vehicle with a rear box length of 7.2-7.8 meters and a rated load capacity of 15.37 tons, reaching the upper limit, with a load capacity utilization coefficient of 1.00. Currently, CNG power remains an absolute minority in the dump engineering field; for example, in the 31-ton model category, only six models from the Heavy Truck series, two each from Shaanxi Automobile and FAW Jiefang, totaling ten announcements, with an overall share of only a fraction, less than 1%.
- Shaanxi Heavy Truck has declared the SX3319XD6TL2 dump truck chassis and complete vehicle, powered by LNG fuel, with various options for gas cylinder configurations, featuring the Delong X5000 series cab, accommodating 2 passengers, with optional wheelbases ranging from 3825-4825mm and three groups of leaf spring suspension, matched with Weichai 14.56L gas engines rated at 630/560 horsepower, forming a vehicle with a rear box length of 7.6-9 meters, rated load capacity of 15.37 tons also at the upper limit, with a load capacity utilization coefficient of 1.00. Last October, in the 376th batch announcement, Shaanxi Heavy Truck declared a CNG version of the same series SX3319XC6T, now expanding to LNG following the “gas craze.” In fact, compared to CNG, LNG power has a relatively better share in the dump engineering sector, with a total of 125 models, approaching a 10% share.
Cargo diesel power Max=580 horsepower/382kW, which is the Dongfeng Cummins 12.5L Z13NS6B580F diesel engine, used in the Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle DFH1310C4 cargo truck chassis, featuring the Tianlong flagship KX series cab (or GX series), accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 4600mm, optional seven groups of leaf spring suspension, and also available in a 540 horsepower version from the same series, simultaneously declared with five vehicle versions including cargo/box transport/warehouse transport/refrigerated/livestock versions. This new product is currently the horsepower king of the Dongfeng Tianlong flagship KX series; previously, three diesel power chassis announcements were made, utilizing “Dragon Power” 10.8L engines rated at 465/490 horsepower and 12.9L engines rated at 520/560 horsepower, as well as the Dongfeng 13.48L engine rated at 560 horsepower, indicating that high-end general cargo transport configurations are approaching the 600 horsepower mark.
Cargo diesel power Min=240 horsepower/173kW, specifically the Yuchai 4.3L YCS04240-66 diesel engine, adopted by the Dongfeng Group DFD1243GL6DJ cargo vehicle chassis. It features the Huashen HV5 series cab, with a base vehicle width of 2380mm, allowing for 2/3 passengers, classified as a medium to heavy truck. The GVW is 24500kg, with a 6×2 drive configuration and a small three-axle double steering front axle. Four wheelbase options are available: 2.8/3.8/4.55/5.35 meters, with six types of leaf spring suspension. Additionally, the Yuchai 6.234L engine, with options for 270/245 horsepower diesel engines, can be selected. This vehicle is announced concurrently with the DFD5243TPBL6D flatbed transport vehicle, achieving a rated load capacity of 14-15 tons, with a fuel consumption of 30.4L/100km.
Dump diesel power Max=620 horsepower/456kW, using the Weichai 13.54L WP14T620E62 diesel engine, adopted by the Heavy-duty Truck Jinan Commercial Vehicle ZZ3316Y346HF1 dump truck chassis. The Shandeka G7S series cab has a base vehicle width of 2496mm and can carry 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 3425mm. It offers 12 types of leaf spring suspension, with the option for a 600 horsepower variant from the same family. Heavy-duty Truck Jizhang announced a 15.33L, 660/600 horsepower variant for the same series in January this year, reaching a maximum horsepower value for 2024. The current batch of new products enters the 14L category, and since both models have power configurations above 600 horsepower, they are excellent choices for engineering users with heavy load requirements.
Dump diesel power Min=350 horsepower/257kW, specifically the Foton Cummins 7.0L A7NS6B350 diesel engine, adopted by the Foton Daimler BJ3311Y6GAM-01 dump truck chassis. It features the Ouman Kunlun series cab, suitable for 2 passengers, with wheelbase options of 2425/2725/3025mm, offering 16 types of leaf spring suspension. Additionally, options include Fokang 8.5L with 400/380/360 horsepower or Yuchai 7.7L with 360 horsepower, resulting in an overall vehicle length of 5.6/5.8/6 meters, with a rated load capacity of 18.87/18.37/17.77 tons and a load utilization coefficient of 1.58/1.48/1.36. Fuel consumption is 37.9 or 38.1L/100km. From the announcement images, it is noted that the Ouman Kunlun series also offers the option for a “Galaxy T” logo, possibly for the engineering version of the family. It also features a new design: utilizing the original light fixture outline, rearranging the internal light group, with appropriate rotation. In the original headlight “notch,” a cover plate is used to create a rectangular effect. The integrated bumper has been slightly adjusted, and the upper edge of the lights is decorated with a continuous silver chrome strip, maintaining a robust and powerful visual impression while adding vibrant elements.
Jiefang JH5 small four-axle operation base, Liuzhou Qicheng Long H7 new model, Skyworth-Yuanhang Jinchun-Li-Rongchu BSEV traction.
For this batch of 94 new heavy truck models, a breakdown of axle structures and drive forms aligns closely with the tonnage distribution, with occasional variations: the hazardous goods version of the towing new model is a 6×4 vehicle, namely the Heavy-duty Truck Jinan Howo MAX series ZZ4257V384KF1LTW, powered by LNG; the “large/small three-axle” heavy trucks advance simultaneously, with a clear shift toward cargo types; the 8×2 “small four-axle” model is exclusively for operation vehicles, while the 8×4 consists of 15 cargo types and 12 dump types. Overall, the dump category has maintained a double-digit increase in new products for four consecutive months, indicating an upward trend. This batch of super-heavy new products includes three models, comprising a 61-ton Heavy-duty Truck Tai’an Wuyue TAZ5616TYTA oilfield special vehicle chassis with five axles, and two special operation vehicle chassis, the 44-ton Shan Heavy Truck Delong X5000 series SX5449TXD7Z2 and Heavy-duty Truck Jizhang Shandeka ZZ5446Y516MF1.
- For the 8×2 drive “small four-axle” models, the industry currently has a total of 70 chassis vehicles and 252 complete vehicle announcements (as of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s 386th batch), among which the 16 models from FAW Jiefang are the most, with 80 complete vehicles matched. The CA1310PK8L3T10E6A90 cargo vehicle chassis announced by FAW in this batch is also of “small four-axle” structure, featuring the Jiefang JH5 series cab, suitable for 3/2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 3050mm. It offers four sets of leaf springs + composite suspension, indicating that the third axle is of a non-lifting type, and is matched with a Yuchai 5.132L, 260 horsepower diesel engine. This model is announced concurrently with the Longyan Changfeng special vehicle CFQ5311XPD6CA distribution vehicle, achieving a total vehicle length of 9.9 meters, primarily equipped with switch cabinets and cable reels, suitable for non-power outage maintenance or replacement operations on distribution lines. Currently, the “small four-axle” models are mainly powered by diesel, with only one LNG-powered model, namely the Heavy-duty Truck Jinan Haohan NX series ZZ5315XXYN46M3F1L box transport vehicle. This reflects a strategy of achieving product economy through “structural changes” in ICE power.
- Geely Hualing has announced the Remote Starry Sky H series HN4250MX27C9SHEVY methanol plug-in range-extended hybrid semi-trailer tractor, accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 3.9 meters. It features front 1/2/3 leaf springs and rear air suspension, capable of towing trailers weighing 39.37/38.57 tons, matched with Anhui Hanma 8.87L, 350 horsepower methanol engine, and equipped with Hefei Guoxuan monomer and Huzhou Zhixin grouped 97.68-degree LFP power battery, as well as Wuxi Bosch 265kW×2 dual electric drive axle, achieving a pure electric range of 80 kilometers with a methanol consumption of 70L/100km. This vehicle marks Geely’s first entry into the 9-liter engine field, with current offerings including 1.8L, 5.91L, 8.87L, 10.98L, 12.54/12.8L, and 13.67L methanol engine models, meeting the matching needs for 3-4 ton light trucks and 18-31 ton heavy trucks.
- Dongfeng Liuzhou Qicheng has expanded the new style of the Chenglong model in this batch, which is inferred from the body decoration to be either “H7V” or represent an infinite symbol. The new style retains the original cab lights, primarily adjusting the front grille, adopting a large vertical distribution style with four bars, embedding the Changlong brand logo in a fully enclosed section, while the remainder consists of an elongated round hole air intake grille, interspersed with silver chrome decorative strips. This can be seen as an “external flat version” of the original Changlong H7 grille. The new models cover four types, including diesel and LNG power, semi-trailer and hazardous materials versions, and are expected to meet with many truck friends soon.
- Skyworth’s Nanjing Jinlong has announced the NJL4252KEKBEV4 battery swap pure electric semi-trailer tractor, utilizing Yuanhang Jinchun lithium monomer and Suzhou Rongchu grouped 400.619-degree LFP power battery (does this battery look familiar?). The rear of the cab features a battery swap design, with a Nanjing Jinlong 410kW electric drive system, accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 3.85 meters. It offers seven groups of leaf spring suspension, capable of towing trailers weighing 38.37/37.87/37.36 tons, with a range of 270 kilometers. Jiangsu Yuanhang Jinchun New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. was established in June 2022, located in Yancheng City, Yandu District, and was jointly created by Jingcheng Investment, Shenzhen Intelligent Manufacturing Future, Guodian Investment, and other new energy investment platforms. This is also its first appearance in the automotive industry.
Jiefang-Bosch, Chufeng-CDTL electric drive axle BSEV traction, FCV from Beiben-Jiening traction, and Foshan Feichi dump truck.
This batch of new BEV heavy trucks totals 48 sets of energy storage systems, all within the LFP system. Among them, the Times series accounts for 31 sets, about 2/3 of the total, maintaining a long-term monopoly of around 50-60%; Suzhou Rongchu has eight models, while SANY Lithium Energy and Fudi Battery each have three models following closely, with the former showing a strong momentum in recent years, indicating a determination to surpass established battery companies.
- This batch of new BEV+FCV heavy trucks totals 63 sets of electric drive systems, with internal/external matching approximately 5:4, and the gap between the two has narrowed again: Green Control and Tebaijia each account for ten sets, ranking first in the industry. In the competition for leading external suppliers of electric drive assemblies for heavy commercial vehicles, it seems to have reached a “pause”; almost all the first group behind them are internal matching vehicle manufacturers, including Foton, Heavy-duty Truck, Yutong, SANY, Jinlong, etc. Only Wuxi Bosch, Hangzhou Times, and one group from CRRC Commercial are in external matching relationships. As vehicle manufacturers increase their control over the three-electric technology, various electric drive assemblies under their own name or from subordinate manufacturing enterprises are emerging, intensifying competition in the industry.
- FAW has announced the CA4180P66BEVA5 battery swap pure electric semi-trailer tractor, which is the second 4×2 drive 18-ton BSEV tractor following the Jiefang J6L series. It features the Jiefang J6P series cab, accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 4.4 meters. The front has 2 leaf springs and the rear has 4+3 leaf springs for suspension, allowing for towing a trailer weighing 32.17 tons. It is equipped with a CATL 512.59-degree LFP power battery and an axle-bottom-mounted design, paired with a Wuxi Bosch 265kW electric drive axle, achieving a range of 393 kilometers.
- Haipote’s Hubei New Chufeng has announced the HQG4251EVMBT1 battery swap pure electric semi-trailer tractor, accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 4.2 meters. It offers two groups of leaf spring suspension and can tow trailers weighing 36.12/37.07 tons, equipped with the same energy storage system as the previous model, but the electric drive system uses a Hangzhou Times 180kW×4 dual distributed electric drive axle, with a range of 302 kilometers. In the previous September announcement of the 375th batch, New Chufeng had announced the HQG4251EVMBT, equipped with a CATL 341.73-degree LFP power battery, achieving a range of 264 kilometers. Both vehicles use the same electric drive system, and on the side skirt, they can choose to have “CDTL inside” and “Smart Drive·D1 Smart Driver” markings, similar to how fuel vehicles label their “power hearts.” For instance, many of the Dongfeng “Dragon Power” models in this batch are equipped with front windshield stickers to enhance recognition. Additionally, the new Chufeng’s HQG1180EVCS pure electric cargo vehicle chassis also uses the Times electric CDTL’s 265kW electric drive system, further expanding their cooperative range.
- Beiben Heavy Truck, in collaboration with Jiening Technology, has announced the V3ET series ND4250BBXJ7Z05FCEV fuel cell tractor, equipped with a Baotou Jiening fuel cell + “dual times” LFP power battery and a Tebaijia 420kW electric drive system, capable of towing 36.17 tons. On May 13, Jiening Technology signed a cooperation agreement with Beiben Heavy Truck and Hydrogen Power Hongyun to jointly expand the FCV heavy truck logistics market in Inner Mongolia, with a promotion target of no less than 5,000 vehicles within three years. Shanghai Jiening Technology was established in December 2013 and, in November 2019, completed the first FCV heavy truck demonstration operation project in cooperation with Baowu Group and JMC Heavy Truck. The recently proposed “hydrogen replacement mode” has also been implemented in the Hainan Industrial Park in Wuhai City, while Baotou Jiening New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, was established in July this year and is an important member of the Inner Mongolia hydrogen energy industry cluster.
- Meijin Energy’s Foshan Feichi has announced the FSQ3311BFFCEV1 fuel cell dump truck chassis and complete vehicle, accommodating 2 passengers, with a wheelbase of 4.8 meters. It features double front 10-piece and rear 13-piece leaf spring suspension, equipped with Jiaxing Guohong fuel cell + Suzhou New Zhong manganese-based ternary lithium power battery, and Suzhou Green Control 380kW electric drive system, resulting in a complete vehicle length of 11795mm, a box length of 7.6 meters, and a rated load of 10.57 tons. FCV in dump trucks remains an absolute minority; currently, the entire industry only has 38 valid announcement models, most of which are developed through special orders. Suzhou New Zhong is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore’s Durapower Holdings, established in July 2010 and located in Changshu Economic Development Zone, previously serving mainly medium and large buses, and this new product marks its first entry into the N-class truck supply field.
