FAW Jiefang unveils CA6HV3 hydrogen IC engine

FAW Jiefang CA6HV3 hydrogen internal combustion engine (Photo: FAW Jiefang)

In June 2022, China’s FAW Jiefang reported a successful test of its 13-litre heavy-duty direct-injection hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Moving forward to December 2024, the series truck manufacturer (which is part of the FAW Group) has unveiled its heavy-duty CA6HV3 hydrogen internal combustion engine.

The CA6HV3 engine can produce up to 460 horsepower and peak torque of 2100 Nm. Using hydrogen fuel with a purity of 90% the engine can run with zero carbon emissions.

The engine has been installed in FAW Jiefang J6V tractors for testing.

While the engine can use hydrogen of a lower purity, using the 90% pure fuel also helps to improve overall fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs. According to test results, the engine returned a thermal efficiency of more than 55%.

To overcome issues related to hydrogen penetration of the metal that can cause embrittlement, the engine uses hydrogen-resistant materials and special coatings.

The unveiling of the CA6HV3 engine was held at the opening ceremony of the new FAW Jiefang 6DV ‘Super Factory’ in Dalian, Liaoning.

As part of the opening ceremony, Dalian Jinpu Area and FAW Jiefang’s Powertrain Division signed an investment agreement covering new medium- and heavy-duty engine production.

Representing an investment of about 614 million yuan (approx. $84.5 million), the agreement will support production of upgraded versions of the company’s 5- and 7-litre medium-duty engines alongside the new hydrogen model on what is described as the world’s first H2 IC engine production line.

Total annual production capacity at the plant, which has an automation rate of 83%, is reported to be 50,000 engines.