As global demand for clean energy continues to grow, hydrogen energy is emerging as a highly efficient and low-carbon energy choice. In the field of new energy vehicle technology, hydrogen energy is mainly applied through two technological pathways: hydrogen internal combustion engines (HICE) and hydrogen fuel cells (FCEV). For a long time, when discussing hydrogen-powered trucks, people have primarily thought of hydrogen fuel cell technology. However, hydrogen internal combustion engines are also demonstrating unique advantages and significant competitiveness in specific application scenarios.

According to the consensus released at the World New Energy Vehicle Congress, the development of new energy vehicles will revolve around three main technological pathways: pure electric, zero-carbon hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cells. This approach aims to meet the green and low-carbon development goals of different industries, market demands, and application scenarios.

With the 2030 carbon peak target approaching and advancements in hydrogen production and storage technologies, various hydrogen energy application solutions are gradually taking shape. Hydrogen internal combustion engines, in particular, offer significant market potential in heavy-duty commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and power generation units. This is because they can directly leverage existing internal combustion engine manufacturing and supply chains, requiring only minimal modifications to achieve fuel substitution, thereby significantly reducing initial infrastructure investment.

Although both hydrogen internal combustion engines (HICE) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEV) use hydrogen as fuel, they differ in their operating principles and application scenarios:

1. Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE):

- Generates power by burning hydrogen, similar to traditional internal combustion engines.

- Can utilize existing manufacturing systems, reducing technological transition costs.

- Suitable for heavy-duty trucks, buses, and specialized vehicles, maintaining cost advantages even with an annual production as low as 5,000 units.

2. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCEV):

- Converts hydrogen’s chemical energy into electricity through a fuel cell to power electric motors.

- More suitable for light-duty passenger vehicles, with economic advantages over hydrogen internal combustion engines when annual production exceeds 100,000 units.

- Offers higher energy conversion efficiency, making it ideal for markets requiring zero emissions and high efficiency.

From a market competition perspective, hydrogen internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell technology are not entirely opposing but rather complementary, each excelling in different application scenarios.

Currently, pure electric technology still faces many challenges in long-distance transportation, such as battery energy density limitations and long charging times. In contrast, hydrogen-powered trucks offer comparable range to diesel and natural gas models, require only about 10 minutes for refueling, and achieve near-zero carbon emissions.

Although hydrogen fuel cell technology has become a mainstream hydrogen energy solution, its high manufacturing costs and the need for a complete overhaul of the vehicle’s drivetrain system have hindered its rapid adoption in the commercial vehicle market. As a result, in the short term, hydrogen fuel cell trucks remain primarily used in specific sectors.

Global automotive manufacturers are accelerating the development of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. In 2021, Daimler Truck and Volvo jointly established Cellcentric, a 50:50 joint venture focused on battery and hydrogen energy solutions, and announced the launch of a new generation of fuel cell systems designed for long-haul transportation.

This system features high integration, compact design, and lightweight construction, with a peak power output exceeding 350 kW. It is specifically designed to meet the transportation needs of the European and North American markets. By 2030, Cellcentric’s next-generation fuel cell system is expected to enter large-scale production, providing a more competitive solution for zero-emission heavy-duty transportation.

With continuous technological advancements and market expansion, hydrogen energy will play a crucial role in the global green energy landscape, offering more diverse choices for sustainable transportation in the future.