GWM wants hydrogen power for CVs with FTXT

A lot of manufacturers have been exploring the vision of zero emissions in not just passenger vehicles, but more importantly in business movers like commercial vehicles. Most have been leaning towards electrification, especially those that come from PRC – but GWM wants to be that exception.

During the week of Auto China and the 2024 GWM Global Conference, the brand brought us to the Xushui Test Center and Baoding R&D Facility to reveal what they’ve been working on. Much to our surprise, we found out that GWM is already deep into hydrogen fuel cell technology.

They are doing it through their subsidiary called GWM-FTXT, and their approach covers everything – from the production of Hydrogen, to making storage and conversion facilities, and finally through application in commercial vehicles.

For now, GWM has not yet made their own commercial trucks and buses but they have been partnering with other Chinese truck brands like Kinglong, FAW and Yutong to use the FTXT technology. Currently, they have developed a 255 kw (342 PS) Hydrogen fuel cell engine that can be used by various city buses and heavy duty trucks. The FTXT-developed powertrain also covers everything; from storage tanks to the fuel cell itself, GWM has them made in-house.

In terms of safety, GWM-FTXT has revealed how the storage tanks are being made. The core tank is made of plastic, but it is wrapped with a thick layer of carbon fiber to ensure material strength while keeping weight in check.

GWM says the FTXT Hydrogen fuel cell technology is now seeing use in over 500 commercial vehicles in the Chinese market, as well as servicing commuters in key Chinese cities. The company’s goal is to expand its market reach and increase demand while lowering the costs of producing Hydrogen fuel cell components.