Dongfeng’s 400kW Hydrogen Fuel Cell Stack Passes New National Standard 10,000-hour Durability Test
Xinhua News Agency confirms that Dongfeng Motor’s self-developed 400kW hydrogen fuel cell platform, Dongfeng Hydrogen Core, has become the country’s first metal bipolar plate fuel cell stack to pass rigorous 10,000-hour durability verification under the new national standard, marking that China’s core hydrogen fuel cell technology has reached advanced international standards.
The full verification process strictly followed the latest national standard GB/Z 44116—2024, replicating real commercial vehicle operating scenarios including frequent start-stop cycles and drastic load fluctuations. The comprehensive assessment evaluated material stability, structural reliability and performance attenuation of the fuel cell stack under complex working conditions. Test results show the product achieves an average single-cell voltage attenuation rate of merely 3.29 percent after 10,000 hours of continuous operation, demonstrating outstanding operational stability and durability.
Durability stands as a core indicator determining the large-scale commercial application of hydrogen fuel cells. Dongfeng Motor has prioritised durability breakthroughs through systematic research and development covering core materials, extreme condition adaptability and natural fatigue ageing control. The company has built a fully independent industrial system spanning basic materials, core components, system integration and complete vehicle application, forming comprehensive capabilities for independent research, development and industrialisation.
Dongfeng has established three fuel cell power platforms rated at 70kW, 150kW and 400kW, covering full-scenario application demands from 20kW to 400kW. The 400kW platform is tailor-made for 49-tonne heavy-duty trucks, supporting cold start at minus 40 degrees Celsius and boasting a designed service life of 30,000 hours. Backed by this cutting-edge fuel cell technology, the firm has launched the T1 new energy commercial vehicle platform, focusing on low energy consumption, lightweight design, rapid refuelling and high safety.
Field tests across mountainous and plain road conditions verify that hydrogen vehicles equipped with the T1 platform consume only 7 kilograms of hydrogen per 100 kilometres. A 15-minute hydrogen refuelling session enables a cruising range of up to 1,700 kilometres, delivering superior efficiency and operational convenience for long-haul commercial transport.
Dongfeng Motor has accumulated more than 2,000 invention patents in the hydrogen energy sector. Its total sales of hydrogen-powered vehicles have exceeded 9,200 units, securing a domestic market share of over 30 percent. The company’s hydrogen energy technologies have undergone multi-scenario and long-term commercial verification, with its 49-tonne hydrogen heavy trucks and hydrogen passenger vehicles recording a total operational mileage surpassing 1 million kilometres. The mature technological and industrial foundation will further support the iterative upgrading and large-scale promotion of domestic hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
