Dongfeng Brings Hydrogen-Electric Truck Range to IAA Transportation

Dongfeng used the IAA Transportation show floor in Germany to reveal a trio of commercial vehicles built on its newly developed hydrogen-electric T1 platform. The centrepiece of the display is a fuel cell system rated at 400 kW, which the company says supports a driving range it describes as a “realistic 1,700 kilometres” — a figure aimed squarely at long-haul duty cycles where battery-electric trucks still struggle.

All three models share the same T1 architecture, signalling that Dongfeng intends to scale the technology across different truck classes rather than treat it as a one-off showcase. The Chinese manufacturer did not detail refuelling times, tank capacity or production timelines at the event.

By presenting the range claim as “realistic” rather than a best-case laboratory number, Dongfeng is positioning hydrogen fuel cells as a practical answer for operators who need to cover high daily distances without lengthy charging stops. The IAA debut puts the brand alongside other OEMs betting on hydrogen for heavy transport in Europe.

Whether those range figures hold up in real-world fleets remains to be seen, but the T1 platform gives Dongfeng a broader product story than a single concept vehicle.