Yuchai Unveils China’s First Flexible-Fuel Engine Platform and the First Batch of China VI Engines That Meet the Country’s Phase IV Fuel-Economy Standards

May 30 marks the annual National Science and Technology Workers’ Day. On this occasion, Yuchai unveiled its latest scientific and technological innovations, including advanced capabilities in powertrain and complete-vehicle simulation testing, forward-looking development of vibration and noise control, autonomous driving system R&D, and medium-speed engine testing, as well as a range of independently developed core components such as proprietary controllers and in-house fuel-injection systems. Notably, Yuchai launched China’s first commercially operational flexible-fuel power platform and the country’s first batch of China VI Phase II engines that meet the Stage IV fuel-consumption standards.

Flexible-Fuel Engine Platform Unveiled

The launch of Yuchai’s first commercially operational flexible-fuel engine platform and the first batch of China VI Phase II engines that meet China’s Stage IV fuel-consumption standards will enable the country to achieve low-cost deployment of high-efficiency engines powered by zero-carbon and low-carbon fuels, thereby propelling China’s internal-combustion-engine industry into a new stage of development.

To encourage technological innovation, Yuchai awarded more than RMB 40 million in prizes for major science and technology projects on National Science and Technology Workers’ Day this year; since last year, the company has allocated a total of RMB 190 million in rewards for such projects over the past three years.

Launching China’s First Commercially Operated Flexible-Fuel Engine Platform

At this event, Yuchai unveiled China’s first commercially operational flexible-fuel engine platform. Leveraging independently developed control systems and a standardized cylinder-head design, the platform can flexibly accommodate a wide range of fuels simply by making adjustments to the fuel system and software, enabling full-product-line deployment at the lowest cost and with the fastest development cycle to meet customers’ personalized requirements.

Flexible-Fuel Engine Platform Unveiled

Yuchai has achieved “four leading positions” through the development of its flexible-fuel engine platform:

First, it represents a pioneering launch. In 2021 and 2022, Yuchai ignited China’s first commercial-vehicle hydrogen-fueled engine and the country’s highest-horsepower hydrogen-fueled engine, respectively. Now, Yuchai has once again taken the lead in unveiling China’s first flexible-fuel engine platform, further propelling the Chinese internal-combustion-engine industry into a new stage of technological development.

Second, proactive strategic positioning. Against the backdrop of the national “dual carbon” strategy, the transition to zero-carbon fuels represents the future of internal combustion engines. Yuchai has leveraged its flexible-fuel engine platform to drive the evolution of internal combustion engines from solely fuel-based operation toward hydrogen-fueled applications, and has successfully developed single- and dual-fuel internal combustion engines powered by ammonia–hydrogen, ammonia–diesel, methanol–diesel, and other combinations, thereby broadening the scope of internal combustion engine development.

Third, cutting-edge technology. From overcoming technical challenges such as hydrogen embrittlement and detonation to developing high thermal-efficiency technologies, Yuchai has propelled hydrogen-fueled engines to achieve an effective thermal efficiency of 44%, placing it at the forefront domestically. Moreover, through the application of ultra-lean combustion technology, near-zero emissions have been realized.

Fourth, leading demonstration operations. Recently, Yuchai successfully ignited China’s first hydrogen-fueled internal-combustion-engine power generation system developed by the company, marking one of the earliest demonstration projects in the country. This power system is a powerful synergy between a hydrogen-fueled engine and Yuchai Xinlan range extender, boasting the advantages of “low cost,” “long service life,” and “zero emissions,” making it one of the most commercially viable application scenarios today.

China’s first flexible-fuel engine platform debuted in 2023 with the launch of the YCK15N gas engine and the YCK15 diesel engine.

The YCK15 and YCK15N engines have a displacement of 14.8 liters, with the diesel version delivering a maximum power of 700 horsepower and the gas version delivering a maximum power of 570 horsepower, making them the highest-power models among engines of the same displacement in China.

These two engine models boast enhanced reliability. The YCK15N, in particular, leverages advanced simulation testing technologies and has undergone more than 3 million kilometers of full-vehicle testing across a wide range of real-world scenarios, while incorporating highly reliable components that deliver fatigue life comparable to that of diesel engines. Its aftertreatment system has doubled its durability mileage, with a 31% reduction in failure rate compared with similar products from the China V emission stage. Moreover, it achieves lower fuel consumption—more than 5% lower than competing models—while delivering higher torque, 16% improved acceleration, and 11% better hill-climbing performance.

These two products can be widely used in 6x4 long-haul logistics high-end tractors and in standard-load composite tractors for mountainous or plateau regions.

Flexible-Fuel Engine Platform Unveiled

First Batch of Engines Meeting Phase IV Fuel Consumption Regulations Unveiled

From the very outset of China VI emissions standard R&D, Yuchai has developed the brand-new SKY high-end customized platform. The SKY high-end powertrain customization platform encompasses the Y platform for light-duty engines and the S and K platforms for medium- and heavy-duty applications, delivering products that are both highly efficient and exceptionally reliable.

Building on the Yuchai SKY high-end power customization platform, Yuchai has continuously advanced the R&D of engines featuring high thermal efficiency, low fuel consumption, and ultra-low emissions, and has launched innovative China VI-compliant products such as the YCS04, YCS06, YCS07, YCK09L, and YCK12L, all of which meet the Stage IV fuel-consumption standards.

In comparison, Yuchai’s high thermal efficiency, low fuel consumption products place greater emphasis on meeting customers’ needs for high efficiency and high reliability, ensuring compliance with national regulatory standards while delivering customer value—all without incurring substantial additional costs.

Efficiency:

High thermal efficiency: Yuchai’s SKY high-end customized platform currently delivers a production-ready engine with a maximum thermal efficiency of 50%, achieving a specific fuel consumption as low as 169 g/kWh. It is the only low-cost, mass-producible high-efficiency engine available today.

Efficient Customization: Leveraging Yuchai’s deep understanding of powertrain systems and complete vehicles, Yuchai Machinery starts with precise definition of customer needs to conduct modular development and engine customization, creating engines tailored to diverse application scenarios. At the same time, through cutting-edge technological innovations such as extreme optimization of the powertrain and the development of intelligent big-data capabilities, Yuchai reduces users’ energy consumption and lowers total lifecycle costs.

Reliable:

Reliable development: Supported by advanced simulation and analysis tools, the engine undergoes up to five rounds of upgrades and iterations throughout its development cycle, with cumulative simulation and validation time exceeding 90,000 hours. Individual subsystems and components are subjected to more than 50,000 hours of dynamometer testing, as well as over 6 million kilometers of rigorous road tests under extreme conditions—including high temperatures, severe cold, and high-altitude environments.

Technological Reliability: Featuring technologies such as LIVC (Late Intake Valve Closure) and intelligent thermal management, this system delivers a comprehensive hardware-and-software upgrade, providing users with a performance experience that is more powerful, more fuel-efficient, more comfortable, more reliable, and more intelligent.

Intelligent and Reliable: Leveraging Yuchai’s R&D in intelligent electronic control, autonomous driving technologies, and connected-vehicle solutions through subsidiaries such as Xingwang Zhiyun and Yuxing, Yuchai provides users with proactive services including remote performance monitoring and early warning, intelligent maintenance reminders, and advanced diagnostic capabilities—comprehensively empowering customers to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Electrical Medium-Speed Engine Test Stand Commissioning

Medium-Speed Engine Test Platform Officially Commissioned

During the event, Yuchai also commissioned its newly constructed medium-speed marine engine test platform, a clear demonstration of the company’s commitment to its “full-range” strategic initiative and a significant milestone marking the completion of its technical preparations for entering the medium-speed engine market.

The newly commissioned medium-speed marine engine test platform covers an area of approximately 6,000 square meters. Designed to benchmark against leading domestic and international high-power engine R&D and testing facilities, it serves as Yuchai’s state-of-the-art test platform for high-power engines that meet future stringent emission standards. The project has installed a high-power dynamometer capable of simulating rapid load changes, thereby enhancing the engine’s transient response characteristics. In addition, the newly constructed multi-fuel supply system and advanced combustion–intake management systems fully support scenario simulations for multi-fuel engines across a wide range of operating conditions, from extreme cold to high temperature and high humidity. The test stand also boasts ultra-high power testing capabilities, effectively meeting the company’s needs for expansion into areas such as medium-speed engines and further advancing the realization of its strategic objectives.

(The above industry news is reproduced from Fangde.com.)