100 Foton Aumark Hydrogen Trucks Deployed in Beijing

A fleet of 100 hydrogen-powered refrigerated light trucks from Foton Aumark has been delivered and put into operation in Beijing, marking a further step in the adoption of hydrogen energy in China’s logistics sector.

The vehicles were handed over during a delivery ceremony held under the theme “Hydrogen Power, Green Future.” They have been deployed by a leading regional logistics operator and are now being used in daily distribution, primarily for fresh food and cold chain transport.

The rollout comes as hydrogen energy gains increasing policy support in China. Under the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, hydrogen has been identified as a key area for future development, with policymakers calling for the construction of a cleaner, low-carbon and more efficient energy system. The year 2026 marks the first year of the plan’s implementation.

Industry participants say the deployment reflects coordinated efforts across the hydrogen value chain, involving Foton Aumark and its partners, including Guohydrogen Technology and Hydrogen Times, as well as downstream logistics operators.

Hydrogen Expands into Cold Chain Logistics

China has established a multi-level policy framework for hydrogen development, ranging from national strategy to local implementation. In the 2026 government work report, “future energy” was referenced for the first time, with hydrogen positioned as a key zero-carbon energy carrier.

As infrastructure improves and supply chains mature, hydrogen-powered vehicles are increasingly being introduced into real-world applications. Urban delivery and cold chain logistics are among the early use cases.

Foton Aumark, positioned in the high-end light truck segment, has been expanding its multi-energy portfolio to address evolving market demand. Its current lineup covers diesel, hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, targeting a wide range of operating scenarios.

In the refrigerated transport segment, the company has focused on integrated vehicle development, combining chassis and cooling systems, alongside smart temperature control solutions. The newly delivered hydrogen trucks are seen as a response to both policy direction and growing demand for low-emission logistics solutions.

Designed for High-Uptime Operations

Cold chain logistics places stringent demands on vehicle performance, particularly in terms of power stability, driving range and temperature control. Operational reliability and uptime are also critical for fleet profitability.

According to the company, the hydrogen-powered trucks have been engineered to address these requirements, with a focus on efficiency, durability and ease of operation.

The vehicles are equipped with a high-safety hydrogen storage system, an 80 kW fuel cell system and an electric drive axle, delivering a peak power output of 120 kW. Even under full load, the trucks can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h.

An optimized control system enables stable power delivery while simultaneously supporting refrigeration functions, helping to maintain energy efficiency during operation.

To improve adaptability in extreme climates, the trucks feature an advanced thermal management system, allowing operation in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 45°C, with cold-start capability at -30°C. A high-rate lithium manganese oxide battery further enhances performance in low-temperature environments.

The hydrogen storage system is designed to preserve cargo space, using a 520-liter configuration (260L × 2) with a total hydrogen capacity of 12.4 kg. Under combined driving and refrigeration conditions, the vehicles offer a range of over 450 km.

Refueling takes approximately 10 minutes, providing an experience comparable to conventional diesel vehicles—an advantage for high-frequency logistics operations.

Foton Aumark said it applies strict standards across the entire product lifecycle, including research and development, sourcing, manufacturing and after-sales service, contributing to vehicle reliability. The brand reports a growing base of high-mileage users in the domestic market.

Scaling Up Hydrogen for a Low-Carbon Future

The inclusion of hydrogen as a “future energy” source reflects China’s broader strategy to accelerate its energy transition. For manufacturers, expanding hydrogen applications represents both a policy-driven and market-driven opportunity.

Foton Aumark said it will continue to invest in product development and optimize total cost of ownership (TCO) as the industry shifts from conventional fuel to new energy solutions.

Looking ahead, the company plans to work with partners across the value chain to expand the use of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles in sectors such as municipal services, sanitation and cold chain logistics.

As adoption grows, hydrogen is expected to play an increasing role in supporting the development of low-carbon transport and more sustainable logistics systems.

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