On August 26th, CCTV News reported on a recent report released by the China Automotive Strategy and Policy Research Center (hereinafter referred to as "CASPRC") regarding cross-regional, large-scale real-world operation data for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the "Report"). The report comprehensively summarizes the achievements of the "Hydrogen Vehicle 10,000-Kilometer Journey" project, analyzes the current state of China's fuel cell vehicle industry from multiple perspectives, and provides data references and relevant suggestions for the development of China's hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industry.

A. World's First Cross-Regional, Large-Scale Real-World Demonstration of Fuel Cell Vehicles

The report is based on systematic research using actual operational data from vehicles participating in the "Hydrogen Vehicle 10,000-Kilometer Journey" project. This project, initiated by CASPRC in collaboration with industry enterprises and research institutions, is the world's first cross-regional, large-scale real-world demonstration of fuel cell vehicles. The demonstration was conducted along 15 typical routes, covering five core application scenarios: trunk lines, cold chain logistics, intercity transport, short-distance shuttle, and passenger transport. It involved more than 20 vehicle models and over 200 fuel cell vehicles.

The report shows that, guided by the national demonstration policy for fuel cell vehicles, China's fuel cell vehicle industry has experienced rapid development. To date, large-scale demonstration applications of fuel cell vehicles have been implemented on over 20 freight trunk lines in China, with more than a thousand fuel cell vehicles operating regularly in scenarios such as highway trunk lines, cold chain transport, and intercity logistics. These vehicles collectively travel over 200,000 kilometers daily, potentially achieving an annual carbon reduction of 60,000 tons.

B. Current Technology Level Basically Meets Actual Scenario Requirements

The report systematically evaluates the technological reliability and actual operational performance of fuel cell vehicles from four dimensions: technical adaptability, refueling convenience, operational economy, and safety. In terms of key technologies, China's fuel cell vehicles now boast a pure hydrogen range exceeding 600 kilometers, maximum system power reaching 300 kW, and system mass power density exceeding 700 W/kg. Overall, the technological level of complete vehicles and components in China basically meets the practical requirements of medium-to-long-distance and medium-to-heavy-duty transport scenarios.

Regarding operational convenience, the average refueling interval for demonstration vehicles is approximately 300 kilometers. Refueling availability every 200 kilometers along the participating demonstration routes has been achieved, basically meeting the refueling needs of current vehicles. The average refueling time per session for demonstration vehicles is about 12 minutes, with most vehicles waiting no longer than 20 minutes before refueling, indicating high energy replenishment efficiency.

C. Fuel Cell Vehicles Show Better Economy Than Diesel Vehicles in Certain Advantageous Scenarios

Based on data from the National Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Demonstration and Evaluation Platform, the report analyzed and calculated the lifecycle costs for four typical vehicle types. Taking the 49-ton hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck as an example, the actual measured hydrogen consumption of participating demonstration vehicles has been reduced to 8.5 kg/100 km, and the average hydrogen refueling price has decreased to 30.42 RMB/kg. Consequently, the operating cost per kilometer is now lower than that of comparable diesel vehicles. Coupled with policy support such as purchase subsidies and highway toll exemptions, fuel cell vehicles demonstrate competitive lifecycle operating costs compared to similar diesel vehicles in advantageous scenarios like highway trunk lines and cold chain transport.

The report suggests that for the current development stage, achieving a viable business model for fuel cell vehicles still requires concerted efforts from multiple stakeholders. Key elements for establishing a commercial operation model include organization by local governments, leadership by major industry players, prioritization of application scenarios, and implementing multiple measures to reduce costs.

D. China's Fuel Cell Vehicle Industry Enters a New Stage of Large-Scale, Commercial Development

The report comprehensively demonstrates the actual operational effectiveness of China's fuel cell vehicles in medium-to-long-distance and medium-to-heavy-duty scenarios, indicating that the industry has entered a new phase of large-scale and commercial development. From the perspective of real-world operational data, the report verifies the feasibility and maturity of the fuel cell vehicle technology pathway, clarifies the necessary conditions and feasible paths for establishing large-scale commercial operations, and provides important references for industry development.

Moving forward, CASPRC will continue to utilize the National Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Demonstration and Evaluation Platform to conduct multi-faceted research on FCV technology policy, CCER methodologies, fuel cell lifespan prediction, and more. This effort aims to ensure that every step of the "Hydrogen Vehicle 10,000-Kilometer Journey" delivers tangible value to participating enterprises and contributes to the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle industry.

About FCVC 2025

The 2025 International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Vehicle Conference & Exhibition (FCVC 2025) was co-organized by the China Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE-China) and the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA). With strong support from government, industry, academia, and research sectors, the conference continues to enhance its international profile, authority, professionalism, and forward-looking perspective, becoming an annual international gathering where policy departments, industry organizations, research institutions, and leading enterprises discuss industry development.

FCVC 2025 was successfully held from June 18th to 20th, 2025, at the Shanghai Auto Exhibition Center. Under the theme "Building Consensus, Tackling Challenges, and Jointly Promoting Large-Scale Industrial Development," the event featured 2 main forums, 6 thematic forums, and 4 concurrent meetings. A three-day exhibition of professional technology and equipment was held alongside the conference, with an exhibition area of 25,000 square meters and 266 domestic and international companies & brands participating. The event established an authoritative and professional platform for international cooperation and exchange, collectively promoting the integrated development of hydrogen energy and fuel cell vehicle technology and achieving mutual success for the industry.