Hydrogen fuel cell trucks (FCTs) are redefining mobility across the world and gaining popularity as a clean alternative to traditional diesel trucks.

A fuel cell truck is powered by compressed hydrogen gas fed into an onboard fuel cell stack, which transforms the fuel’s chemical energy into electrical energy.

As hydrogen is readily available and renewable, it is becoming popular as a fuel for a diverse range of transport modes, including buses, cars, and trucks along with early-stage uses in commercial shipping and aviation.

Additionally, using locally sourced components is helping companies manufacture hydrogen fuel cell vehicles claimed to be cheaper than vehicles running on diesel fuel.

Continue reading to learn more about the global top 10 hydrogen fuel cell truck companies.

Table of Contents

Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd.

Dayun

Dongfeng Motor Corporation

FAW Group Corp., Ltd.

Great Wall Motor

Hyundai Motor Company

Hyzon Motors

Nikola Corporation

SAIC Iveco Hongyan

SINOTRUK (China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd.)

Hydrogen Energy Innovation and Partnerships

Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck (FCT) Market Report

Wrapping Up

Global Top 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck Companies

Here are the world’s leading hydrogen fuel cell truck companies (listed alphabetically):

Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd.

Founded: 1996

Location: Changping, Beijing, China

Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. (also known as “Foton Motor” and “Foton” (FOTON)) is a subsidiary of the BAIC Group (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd.).

The company is one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, with a high-standard digital factory, advanced testing and verification capabilities, autonomous driving platooning technology, and more.

From taking the lead in releasing unmanned trucks in China to being the first enterprise to get an automatic driving road test license plate in China’s commercial vehicle sector, Foton has come a long way in the automobile industry.

The company manufactures a full series of commercial vehicles, including:

• Buses and coaches
• Construction machinery vehicles
• Medium- and Heavy-duty trucks
• Light-duty trucks
• Mini trucks
• Vans
• Special vehicles

Foton is the first enterprise in China to commercialize the industrial chain of hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, hydrogen transportation, and hydrogen refueling.

The company is also credited with providing 500+ hydrogen fuel buses during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics—creating a record for the largest hydrogen bus fleet serving for the Olympics.

Dayun

Founded: 2004

Location: Yuncheng, Shanxi, China

Dayun Automobile Co., Ltd. (also known as “Dayun” and “Dayun Motor”) originated from “Shanxi Dayun Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd.” and is a part of the Dayun Group—a large-scale private enterprise group founded in 1987.

The company is headquartered in the Yuncheng Economic and Technological Development Zone, Shanxi Province, with three wholly-owned subsidiary production bases in:

• Chengdu (produces light-duty trucks)
• Shiyan (produces medium-duty trucks)
• Yuncheng (produces new energy vehicles and heavy-duty trucks)

Dayun Motor’s heavy truck production base has five major production lines for general assembly, painting, stamping, welding, and special vehicles. The company builds trucks under the “Dayun” brand, with the heavy truck segment comprising:

Conventional power heavy truck

• Tractor series
• Truck series
• Dump truck series

New energy heavy truck

• Tractor series (including N8E 6x4 charging version tractor, Dayun E8 series hydrogen fuel tractor, and Dayun E9 series 6x4 hydrogen fuel tractor)

Dongfeng Motor Corporation

Founded: 1969

Location: Wuhan, Hubei, China

Dongfeng Motor Corporation Ltd. (also known as “DFM” and “Dongfeng”) is a prominent automobile manufacturer.

As one of China’s largest automobile groups, DFM is an industry leader in manufacturing, marketing, and R&D, with main business areas covering a comprehensive range of auto assemblies, parts, and components, commercial and passenger vehicles, and other automobile-related products and services.

DFM’s commercial vehicles include a full range of the following:

• Medium-duty trucks
• Heavy-duty trucks
• Light-duty trucks
• Mini trucks
• Special-purposed versions

The company’s passenger and high-mobility special off-road vehicles comprise the following:

• MPVs
• SUVs
• Mini CVs
• DFM Warrior
• Desert off-road vehicles
• AWD off-road vehicles

In addition, DFM produces new energy vehicles, including HEVs, pure electric, and natural gas vehicles. As part of the Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Development Plan, Dongfeng built a fleet of 500 hydrogen fuel cell electric commercial trucks using Ballard fuel cell stack technology.

Furthermore, an industry news source mentions that Honda China and Dongfeng Motor Group will jointly develop hydrogen fuel cells for use in commercial vehicles based on metrics, such as adaptability to the environment, durability under various driving conditions, and fuel economy.

FAW Group Corp., Ltd.

Founded: 1953

Location: Changchun, Jilin, China

Formerly known as “China First Automobile Works,” FAW Group Corp., Ltd. (FAW) is one of the “Big Four” state-owned automobile manufacturers in China.

The company is one of China’s oldest and largest automotive manufacturers, with the Group comprising Hongqi, Bestune, and Jiefang brands.

While the Hongqi premium brand has maintained the top position in China’s passenger car market, Jiefang has taken the lead position in the Chinese commercial truck market.

According to an industry news source, FAW Jiefang “plans to sell 500,000 electric and hydrogen trucks by 2035.”

FAW’s commercial truck portfolio comprises dump trucks, light trucks, lorries, and tractors under the following series:

• J6P Series
• J6M Series
• J6L Series
• J6F Series
• J5P Series

Additionally, FAW has established a world-class R&D layout, which consists of various innovation centers, such as:

• Experience Perception and Measuring Center
• Foresight Tech Innovation Center
• Hongqi Global Design Center
• ICV R&D Center
• NEV R&D Center

Great Wall Motor

Founded: 1984

Location: Baoding, Hebei, China

Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. (Great Wall Motor or GWM) is named after the glorious Great Wall of China. The company is one of China’s largest automobile manufacturers and one of the first Chinese car manufacturers to enter overseas markets.

In addition to manufacturing bases in Baoding, Xushui, Tianjin, and Yongchuan in Chongqing, GWM’s global R&D layout covers Asia, Europe, and North America.

Apart from accelerating the industrialization of generic technology in the Intelligent Connected Vehicle (ICV) industry, GWM has strengthened R&D in the development of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), including:

• BEVs, such as the exclusive brand “ORA” as well as ORA iQ and R1.
• The company plans to officially launch the hydrogen fuel cell models in 2025.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs, such as WEY VV7 PHEV and VV7 GT PHEV).

Hyundai Motor Company

Founded: 1967

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Also known as “Hyundai Motors” and “Hyundai,” Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean automotive manufacturer with a comprehensive vehicle range, including cars, MPVs, SUVs, trucks and buses, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility AG is a partnership between “Hyundai Motor Company” and Swiss company “H2 Energy,” which contributes towards environmental friendliness by offering emission-free commercial fuel cell vehicles.

Hyundai Motor’s hydrogen leadership is evident in XCIENT Fuel Cell, which is reported to be “the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen electric heavy-duty truck.” XCIENT Fuel Cell contains a twin array of 90 kW stacks—delivering 180 kW of pure power and over 400 km of field-proven driving range on a single charge.

Hyundai Motor’s other hydrogen vehicles include:

• NEPTUNE (a hydrogen-powered Class 8 heavy-duty truck)
• ELEC CITY Fuel Cell (a fuel cell electric bus based on the ELEC CITY hydrogen fuel cell system)

Moreover, XCIENT Fuel Cell is equipped with gas leak detection systems for safe driving and makes daily operations easier with high charging efficiency.

Hyzon Motors

Founded: 2020

Location: Rochester, New York, United States

Hyzon Motors (Hyzon) is an American automotive company, which develops and manufactures zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles with a low-cost, clean hydrogen infrastructure approach.

Hyzon’s hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles include:

• HYZON CLASS 8
• HYZON HYMAX SERIES (available in multiple configurations)
• HYZON HIGH-FLOOR COACH
• HYZON REFUSE

The company’s global footprint extends across Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Hyzon co-invests in a variety of production technologies to provide affordable, low-to-negative carbon intensity hydrogen.

Hyzon’s hybrid bi-polar technology uses a unique combination of graphite and metallic surface engineering to optimize the flow of hydrogen and oxygen to the heart of the fuel cell—MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly)—and increases the fuel cell stack’s durability and power density.

The first hydrogen-powered Hyzon truck in Texas was the beginning of an effort aimed at using hydrogen to decarbonize the shipping and trucking sectors.

Furthermore, Hyzon Motors plans to provide its engineering and manufacturing expertise for hydrogen systems as part of a collaboration with Schlumberger Limited to reduce emissions in upstream oil & gas operations through high-power fuel cells.

Nikola Corporation

Founded: 2015

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Nikola Corporation (also known as “Nikola Motor” and “Nikola”) is a well-known American heavy-duty commercial vehicle manufacturer, which develops energy and transportation solutions.

The company designs and manufactures commercial battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, vehicle components, electric vehicle drivetrains, energy storage systems, and hydrogen station infrastructure.

The company’s Nikola One and Tesla Semi have been the subject of a lawsuit related to patent infringement. Nevertheless, Nikola is globally transforming the transportation industry with innovative solutions.

For instance, Nikola is the first U.S. truck manufacturer to add PlusDrive Next Generation Safety System to Class 8 electric trucks.

Nikola’s offerings include:

HYLA: Nikola’s new hydrogen energy brand HYLA aims to help the commercial trucking industry to zero emissions through cost-effective hydrogen production, distribution, and dispensing solutions.

Mobile Solutions: Nikola’s comprehensive mobile solutions ensure a reliable and an economical source of hydrogen.

Nikola Energy: Nikola Energy develops cost-effective solutions for sustainable hydrogen production and distribution.

TRE BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): A reimagined cab-over BEV for short-haul metro-regional applications.

TRE FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle): The hydrogen-powered FCEV for longer or continuous metro-regional applications.

SAIC Iveco Hongyan

Founded: 2003

Location: Chongqing, China

SAIC Iveco Hongyan Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd. (SIH) is a leading heavy vehicle manufacturer established and invested jointly by SI (a 50:50 JV between SAIC and Iveco) and CME (Chongqing Machinery & Electronics Holding Group Co. Ltd).

The company’s product portfolio includes:

• GENLYON (the first heavy truck made in China with the FIAT Cursor engine braking system)
• KINGKAN (adaptable and highly efficient with a four-point suspension cab)
• GENPAW (chassis blends mature lightweight technology with durability and strength)
• GENTRUCK (overall weight is lighter and conforms to middle- and short-distance transport demands)

SAIC Hongyan’s rigorous quality analysis involves subjecting all key components of vehicles to fatigue strength analysis, DMU motion simulation analysis, and a complete static strength analysis.

In addition, the vehicles are thoroughly tempered and tested to ensure adherence to world-class quality standards and user safety.

In August 2022, the official launch of SAIC Hongyan’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy-duty trucks in Shanghai marked an important milestone in the commercial application of fuel cell vehicles and the development of the hydrogen energy industry.

SINOTRUK (China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd.)

Founded: 1956

Location: Jinan, Shandong, China

Jinan General Auto Works Plant is the predecessor of China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd. (CNHTC or SINOTRUK). SINOTRUK is China’s first heavy-duty truck manufacturer and is currently a major domestic and overseas heavy-duty R&D and manufacturing conglomerate, which develops, manufactures, and sells:

• Auto parts
• Buses
• Engines and engine units
• SINOTRUK’s
• Special chassis
• Special vehicles
• Trucks (including cargo truck, dump truck, light truck, tank truck, and tractor truck)
• Special trucks (including crane truck, logging truck, maintenance truck, suction sewage truck, and sidelifter truck)

In addition, SINOTRUK’s National Heavy-duty Truck Engineering Research Center undertakes functions, such as application demonstration and technical R&D.

Currently, SINOTRUK’s hydrogen-powered products, including hydrogen fuel cell heavy trucks are available for highway, port, and other applications.

The company has collaborated with Weichai Power (a prominent automobile and equipment manufacturing company) to unveil China’s first commercialized hydrogen ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) heavy-duty truck, with precise hydrogen injection control technology and the capability to meet the requirements of variable working conditions.

Hydrogen Energy Innovation and Partnerships

Many companies are pursuing hydrogen energy innovation to make commercial vehicles better and more sustainable in alignment with the goals for a cleaner electric future. Let us look at some examples below:

Air Liquide: The globally renowned provider of industrial gases and services is actively involved in enabling the widespread use of hydrogen by designing and building hydrogen stations at the global level to fill the fuel tanks of vehicles (buses, cars, forklifts, etc.) and for special events, such as conferences and road tips.

Air Products: The leading hydrogen supplier with the world’s largest hydrogen distribution network plans to supply carbon-free green hydrogen to power buses and trucks worldwide by 2025.

Clean logistics: The automotive company has developed fyuriant—a hydrogen zero-emission truck, which is equipped with a fuel cell electric drive system for use in heavy-duty transportation through hydrogen.

General Motors: The multinational automotive manufacturing company plans to use its HYDROTEC fuel cell technology to charge EVs, power worksites, provide emergency power, and much more by expanding fuel cell potential beyond vehicles.

Plug Power Inc.: The hydrogen fuel cell company develops hydrogen fuel cell systems and maintains a network of high-availability hydrogen stations (Plug refueling stations) in the U.S. for convenient hydrogen fills in just minutes.

Furthermore, many strategic partnerships have been formed to develop low- and zero- emission options within the trucking sector.

For instance, pilot programs like the Zero and Near Zero Emissions Freight Forwarding (ZANZEFF) project—a sub-program under the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Low Carbon Transportation Program—promise a step toward improving the reliability of fuel cell drayage fleets in daily operations.

Blackridge Research & Consulting – Global Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck (FCT) Market Report

The hydrogen trucks market has been witnessing rapid growth in recent years, due to various factors, such as:

• Development of hydrogen infrastructure, such as green hydrogen production facilities and hydrogen refueling stations.
• Government incentives and initiatives.
• An increasing number of pilot hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck projects.
• R&D partnerships on developing hydrogen fuel cell technologies.

Blackridge Research & Consulting’s Global Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck (FCT) Market report provides a detailed market analysis and offers deep insights into the competitive landscape, emerging trends, market drivers and restraints, market share of key players, important commercial developments, and much more.

You can buy the report directly or email us at sales@blackridgeresearch.com to purchase specific sections of the report. You can also reach out to us for custom research services.

Wrapping Up

Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the driving force behind a fuel cell vehicle, which runs on clean hydrogen instead of a fossil fuel.

Hydrogen mobility is going to get better, with several hydrogen truck companies competing in the hydrogen commercial vehicle market worth billions of dollars.

The debate on battery electric trucks and hydrogen fuel cell trucks is ongoing, with some truck companies choosing battery electric trucks for low cost and more developed charging infrastructure.

However, truck manufacturers like Daimler Truck and Volvo Trucks are developing hydrogen fuel cell vehicles alongside battery electric trucks because hydrogen-powered fuel cells can support heavier payloads, as well as longer ranges and longer uptime via faster refueling.

In the words of Roger Alm, Executive Vice President of Volvo Group and the President of Volvo Trucks:

“Hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric trucks will be especially suitable for long distances and heavy, energy-demanding assignments.”

Undoubtedly, hydrogen fuel cell truck companies are leading the way in helping the transportation sector decrease carbon emissions, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and transition toward an alternative fuel-powered future.