China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has unveiled a groundbreaking liquid-hydrogen fueling system specifically designed for heavy trucks. This new system, a milestone in green transportation technology, features a state-of-the-art 100-kilogram fuel tank, marking China’s significant progress in the hydrogen energy field.
CASC’s innovative system, known as the “Race Track 1000,” is poised to transform the landscape of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles. As one of the core components of liquid hydrogen trucks, this system is entirely domestically produced and aims to extend the range of hydrogen-powered heavy trucks to over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge. This achievement underscores China’s commitment to developing advanced, sustainable transportation solutions.
Compared to previous iterations, the “Race Track 1000” system offers a 20 per cent increase in effective volume while maintaining the same overall dimensions. This enhancement significantly boosts hydrogen storage capacity, enabling the new system to carry up to 100 kilograms of hydrogen. Notably, the costs associated with this system have been reduced by more than 30 per cent, with expectations of further reductions as mass production scales up.
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Liu Yutao, the chief hydrogen energy expert at CASC’s Institute 101, highlighted that the new system matches international standards in terms of mass, hydrogen storage density, and refueling time.“The system’s mass, hydrogen storage density, and refueling time parameters are on par with international advanced levels, and it is fully equipped with domestically produced components. The core technology is independently controllable, and the costs are over 30% lower than the previous generation, with further reductions expected after mass production.”
The new system’s capabilities are underscored by previous successful road tests conducted by German automaker Daimler. In these tests, a fully loaded truck equipped with 80 kilograms of liquid hydrogen managed to travel an impressive 1,047 kilometres without refueling. The “Race Track 1000” is expected to exceed these results, offering an improved range and efficiency for heavy-duty transportation.
The development of the “Race Track 1000” is a testament to the innovative prowess of CASC’s Sixth Academy, particularly its Institute 101. The Institute has established a comprehensive testing system for vehicle-mounted liquid hydrogen systems, ensuring the product’s quality, stability, and reliability through rigorous liquid hydrogen tests and validations.
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Experts believe that the mass production and application of the “Race Track 1000” system will significantly elevate China’s hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck capabilities. This advancement provides a crucial technical and equipment foundation for promoting the transformation of the energy structure and fostering green, low-carbon transportation. It also aligns with China’s broader strategy for high-quality development of its hydrogen energy industry.
The successful development of this liquid-hydrogen fueling system is a vital step in China’s efforts to develop new energy and production capacities. It represents a significant practice in advancing new energy technologies and promoting a strong transportation nation. According to a report from Xinhua News Agency, this breakthrough is expected to aid in the construction of a robust and sustainable transportation infrastructure, contributing to the global push towards green energy solutions.
