Weichai’s hydrogen engine reaches China VI milestone for heavy-duty applications
As first reported by sister publication Powertrain International, Weichai has achieved China VI certification for its WP15 hydrogen internal combustion engine, paving the way for wider commercial deployment of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles in the Chinese market.
Chinese powertrain manufacturer Weichai has reached a significant milestone in the development of hydrogen combustion technology, with its WP15 hydrogen direct-injection engine successfully completing China VI emissions certification.
As first reported by sister publication Powertrain International, the certification makes the WP15 the first heavy-duty hydrogen internal combustion engine to comply with China’s latest emissions standard, following testing at the CATARC Automotive Test Center in Tianjin.
Weichai’s hydrogen engine with up to 600 hp
The 14.6-litre engine delivers up to 600 hp and 2,800 Nm of torque while achieving a claimed brake thermal efficiency of 46.8%. According to Weichai, more than 90% of its components are shared with conventional diesel engines, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying maintenance while easing the transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The WP15 has been developed specifically for heavy-duty transport, where hydrogen internal combustion engines are increasingly being considered as a complementary solution to battery-electric and fuel-cell technologies, particularly for long-haul applications requiring high payloads and fast refuelling. Unlike fuel-cell systems, hydrogen combustion engines can also leverage much of the existing engine manufacturing expertise and supply chain.
The certification also provides additional context to the remarks made this week by Daimler Truck CEO Karin Rådström, who said she expects Chinese truck manufacturers to intensify their presence in Europe. While the WP15 is currently targeted at the domestic market, developments like this demonstrate that Chinese manufacturers are investing across multiple zero-emission technologies, including hydrogen internal combustion engines, further strengthening their competitive position in the global heavy-duty sector.
