Sinotruk commits to a cleaner, greener future

Sinotruk plays a major role in advancing research and development efforts in China’s commercial vehicle sector, especially in its farsighted approach to adopting new, cleaner energy.

Sinotruk’s long-term strategic vision and business philosophy centre on creating a truly world-class commercial vehicle offering, based on cutting-edge technology and producing low-carbon solutions. As well as running the country’s sole National Research Centre for Heavy-Duty Truck Engineering and Technology, Sinotruk conducts a wide range of world-class scientific tests in its dedicated laboratories for engine emissions and new energy – two of its eight state-of-the-art test labs. A semi-anechoic chamber in the engine emission lab, for example, enables Sinotruk’s engineers to consistently meet environmental standards.

One of the manufacturer’s most ambitious goals is to break into developed markets where Chinese brands are yet to gain entry. The company expects to achieve this in the long-term by leveraging its advances in new energy trucks.

Sustainable development and green manufacturing

Sinotruk’s sustainable development and green manufacturing encompasses several approaches, including low-emission Euro VI technology, compressed and liquid natural gas (CNG/LNG) engines, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cells. The company works incredibly hard to develop and innovate these and other clean energy technologies to increase production volumes of greener vehicles. One aspect of this approach has been the establishment of its Hydrogen Power Vehicle Innovation Centre, where Sinotruk drives the transition from old drivetrain technologies with its natural gas heavy-duty trucks.

The Sinotruk T10 Truck LNG/CNG engine was developed specifically for heavy-duty trucks. This natural gas powerhouse was designed to meet the latest Euro VI or higher emission standards, providing a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional diesel engines. Using fuel injection, turbocharging, and intercooling technology to deliver optimal performance and fuel efficiency, the T10 LNG/CNG engine has been lauded for its reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance.

In 2020, meanwhile, Sinotruk recorded the fourth consecutive year of substantial growth in natural gas truck sales following the launch of its MT natural gas engine.

EVs, innovation, and hydrogen

Sinotruk had already premiered the world’s first driverless electric truck two years previously in April 2018, when its HOWO T5G went to work in Tianjin Port. This was an important part of the progression from trials to commercial use. The driverless EV incorporated artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Vehicles, cloud computing, and other innovative technologies. Able to drive 120km fully loaded, it can fully charge in under an hour.

In 2021 in Rizhao, southeast Shandong province, 30 Sinotruk HOWO TX electric container truck tractors were delivered at the opening of the region’s first intelligent charging and battery change station. This was part of Sinotruk’s commitment to building a “zero carbon port” in Shandong, with a view to develop more of these zero carbon ports and smart terminals to contribute to China’s carbon neutralisation goals.

In 2022, Sinotruk and Weichai Power released China’s first hydrogen fuel cell commercial heavy truck under Sinotruk’s Huanghe brand. By December, three companies had ordered a total of 1,100 units ranging from 4.5- to 49-tonne models – China’s largest-ever hydrogen fuel cell vehicle order.

Sinotruk says this represents “a major step forward in the commercialisation of green energy logistics vehicles”. As a core business value, the company continues to make great breakthroughs in new energy solutions and development supported by intelligent manufacturing.