Weichai, the core subsidiary of Shandong Heavy Industry Group Co., Ltd., in China, has showcased its diversified green powertrain lineup and zero-carbon transport solutions at the IAA Transportation 2026.
The three products were the WPH15DI hydrogen hybrid system, the NG4.0 gas powertrain, and its “three-electric” core components (battery, motor and electronic control). They were displayed alongside advanced energy storage units such as the EM300 battery pack, as part of a showcase spanning both conventional and new energy power. Besides, the company has launched Weichai European Zero-Carbon Action Initiative, to outline next-generation, zero-emission commercial transport targets for the European market.
The WPH15DI, is paired with a 15-litre hydrogen internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a transmission. Ms. Zeng Xiaoxiao, Director, Alternative Fuel ICE Platform R&D Center, of the company told this publication that WPH15DI is the first powertrain of its kind to complete China VI emission certification. It can also meet Euro VI standards and the upcoming Euro 7 regulation too, she said.
The idea behind the hybrid set-up is that the electric motor helps the hydrogen engine stay in the range where it works most efficiently and smoothly. This improves the efficiency of the whole system and saves more than 21% of hydrogen. The complete hybrid powertrain delivers a peak output of 710 PS and peak torque of 3,500 Nm. On its own, the hydrogen engine produces a rated 600 PS and peak torque of 2,800 Nm. It also reaches a brake thermal efficiency of 46.8%, meaning nearly half the energy in the fuel is turned into useful work. The powertrain is designed mainly for heavy-duty trucks, including long-haul use. With some adaptations, Ms. Zheng said, it can also be used in other applications. Production is already under way and some units are already running on the road.
Natural Gas with a Quick Response
Alongside its hydrogen hybrid, Weichai showed the WP15NG, a completely new natural gas engine built for long-haul logistics. It has a displacement of 14.6 litres and delivers a rated 630 hp and maximum torque of 2,800 Nm. It can run on both LNG and CNG.
Even as a new product, the engine is already well established on the road. Ms. Dong Duo, Director, Natural Gas Engine Platform, R&D, Weichai, said it is in mass production, with 40,000 units already built. She pointed to three highlights – response, fuel economy and reliability. The biggest focus is response, meaning that when the driver presses the pedal, the engine reacts instantly. This comes from a combustion chamber designed specifically for gas, which makes the fuel burn 20% faster. According to her, this translates directly into 20% better performance when pulling away and overtaking.
A Battery That Sits Low
For battery-electric trucks, Weichai presented its new generation of EM300 heavy-duty truck battery pack. Designed specifically for heavy-duty tractors, the 600kWh pack is mounted entirely under the truck.
According to Mr. Dawei Ning, Product Engineering – Batteries, Weichai, there are two benefits; first, placing the battery low gives the truck a lower centre of gravity, which improves stability and safety even at high speeds. Second, because no batteries are mounted behind the cab, the trailer can be just as long as on a diesel tractors. He explained that this means an electric truck can carry the same load as a diesel one, which addresses a key concern for fleet customers.
Charging is quick too. The battery supports a 1.3C charging rate with currents of up to 1,200 amps, he said. A 1.3C rate means the battery charges at 1.3 times its capacity per hour, so in theory it could go from empty to full faster. In practice, this lets drivers recharge during their rest breaks and be ready for the next leg of the journey. On a full charge, the truck can travel at least 600 km, and a further 40 minutes charge adds around 400 km of range, he mentioned.