Horizon Fuel Cell Group has secured a deal to supply 100 fuel cell systems to Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer Shanghai Wuliu Automotive Technology, which is jointly developing a new 42-tonne hydrogen-powered truck with Z Truck Automotive Technology.
The order will see Horizon’s VL-III Series fuel cell systems integrated into the upcoming truck model, which has been designed with a lightweight structure and an extended range. The trucks are expected to achieve a driving range of over 1,500 kilometres using the 250-kilowatt hydrogen system, according to Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies.
Launched in 2022, the VL-III fuel cell platform has been deployed in various commercial vehicle applications across multiple continents. Horizon said the technology has been validated through extensive real-world operations and continues to support efforts toward decarbonising heavy-duty transport. The trucks will also use a locally sourced Type IV hydrogen storage system.
In late 2024, Horizon unveiled its next-generation VLS-IV Series 400kW fuel cell stack, which the company estimates could lower hydrogen consumption in heavy-duty fuel cell trucks by as much as 20 per cent. The upgraded system is not part of the current deal but reflects the company’s direction for future fuel cell performance enhancements.
While hydrogen fuel cell adoption remains limited in many Western markets, especially in passenger transport, deployment in heavy-duty trucking, buses, and maritime sectors continues to progress. In a related development, PowerCell and Bosch recently expanded their cooperation to accelerate fuel cell applications in China’s mobility and industrial sectors.