Photo credits @ Trans.info/Michał Pakulniewicz
In addition to the Yellow River X7, Sinotruk also unveiled two Sitrak vehicles (a joint venture with MAN) — one with electric batteries and the other with fuel cells. The FCEV model version is equipped with a 300 kW Sitrak fuel cell set and a 100 kWh battery pack that powers a 4 x 275 kW engine. This vehicle outperforms its electric counterpart, boasting a range of 1,250 km. It carries eight hydrogen tanks of 350 litres each at 70 MPa.
Photo credits @ Trans.info/Michał Pakulniewicz
Expanding beyond buses
It wasn’t only Sinotruk that opted for vehicles that looked like they were from the future. King Long, traditionally known as a bus manufacturer, also showcased a very futuristic truck. While buses comprised the bulk of the company’s offerings, the show in Hannover featured the Merry Haul tractor equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell engine. The hydrogen fuel cells, rated at 180 kW/220 kW, power a 50 kWh lithium-manganese battery. The truck features two 265 kW engines, providing a range of over 1,000 km.
Photo credits @ Trans.info/Michał Pakulniewicz
Diesel and LNG options
Adjacent to Sinotruk’s stand was Shacman, a brand under Shaanxi Automobile Manufacturing. Shacman displayed two long-haul trucks at the show: the diesel-powered X600 Extreme Power Edition, with an 840 hp engine, and the LNG-powered X500, which offers 630 hp.
Photo credits @ Trans.info/Michał Pakulniewicz
Steyr’s SuperPanther collaboration
While Sinotruk and Shacmoto are brands with a longer history, originating from the former state-owned truck manufacturer, there was no shortage of newcomers among the Chinese exhibitors at the fair. The technology company SuperPanther Power Technology, which specializes in heavy electric trucks, was founded by Chao Liu in early 2022. In August 2024, the company was included in the Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2024 list, recognising companies from Asia that demonstrate great growth potential and an innovative approach.
SuperPanther received the IAA World Innovation Award for all four core technologies developed:
Intelligent Energy Management System (IEM)
eAxle system with decentralized, demand-controlled power supply
Built-in 876V high voltage domain control
Ultra-Low Temperature Thermal Management System (TMS)
Photo credits @ Trans.info/Sabina Koll
The highlight of the trade fair was the self-developed “eAxle-System” drive system, in which the motor is deeply integrated into the drive axle. According to the company, this design enables “a significant increase in the efficiency of power transmission and dynamic control.”
Despite its young age, the Chinese manufacturer has already established cooperation with a European giant. The eTopas 600 electric vehicle, developed in collaboration with Steyr, was showcased at the fair. This electric vehicle features batteries with a capacity of 621 kWh, allowing it to travel up to 500 km on a single charge. The vehicle is equipped with two motors, each with a maximum power of 346 kW. According to the manufacturers, charging the batteries from 20 per cent to 80 per cent should take just 38 minutes. This vehicle is expected to enter production at Steyr’s plants at the end of 2025.
European manufacturers facing a serious challenge?
The significant presence of Chinese companies at the Hannover show signals their ambition to break into the European market, particularly with their range of low- and zero-emission vehicles, which align with EU climate regulations.
European manufacturers are not taking the competition lightly. A Mercedes-Benz representative commented anonymously:
“We don’t need to hide, but we must take the Chinese competition seriously. We have excellent products like the eActros and a strong service network. It would be foolish to underestimate them.”
However, as Chinese battery giant CATL pointed out, entering the European market won’t be easy. Akin Li, head of CATL’s overseas operations, told Reuters that while Chinese companies may have the technology, winning over key fleet customers will be crucial to long-term success. Additionally, Europe’s established service networks and the challenges of supply chains between Asia and Europe could pose significant hurdles.
In collaboration with Michał Pakulniewicz
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Publish date : 2024-09-26 17:00:00
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