Fully Forward Development, Megawatt-Class Fast Charging: Chenglong Yiwei 5 Quick Report

In the first half of 2025, the new energy heavy-duty truck market experienced rapid growth—from January to June, national sales reached 69,000 units. June saw a monthly high of 18,000 new energy heavy-duty trucks, making it the fastest-growing segment in the commercial vehicle sector. However, behind this prosperity lies a hidden pain for many truck drivers: the widespread adoption of "oil-to-electric" trucks results in a high center of gravity, high power consumption, and heavy vehicle weight.

As the industry succumbs to internal homogeneity, Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor unveiled a breakthrough: the all-new generation new energy heavy-duty truck platform, the Yiwei 5. This platform precisely addresses the core demands of users for "greater power, higher reliability, lower power consumption, lighter weight, and greater intelligence." In this issue, I'll explore the novel features of the Chenglong Yiwei 5.

Fully Forward-Developed: Innately Lightweight and Efficient

The Chenglong Yiwei 5 isn't a revamped version of a traditional fuel-powered truck. Instead, it's based on Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor's first fully forward-developed new energy heavy-duty truck platform, which offers numerous inherent advantages.
 
The Chenglong Yiwei 5 is equipped with a self-developed 800V silicon carbide high-voltage platform and an electric drive axle with a flat-wire motor and active oil cooling technology, ensuring powerful climbing and uninterrupted power. The vehicle incorporates a detailed three-level scenario-based calibration system, intelligently adjusting energy output based on different operating conditions, reducing overall power consumption to 1.1 kWh/km. Notably, its "Dragon Breath" intelligent thermal management system increases winter range by 15%, making it more adaptable to harsh winter conditions. The battery utilizes a renowned domestic brand, boasting a charge and discharge efficiency of up to 93% and supporting megawatt-class super-fast charging, reducing the time required to charge from 20% to 80% to under 30 minutes.
 
In terms of lightweighting, a traditional strength of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor, the Chenglong Yiwei 5 utilizes topology optimization and modular design to achieve a "customized" vehicle structure. This utilizes high-energy-density batteries, a lightweight battery frame, a body constructed with a high proportion of high-strength steel, lightweight axles, and a domain-centralized controller, achieving a significant weight reduction. For example, a resource transport tractor equipped with 400 kWh of electricity can achieve a vehicle weight as low as 8.8 tons, over 500 kilograms lighter than similar vehicles.

Building a solid foundation for safety: AI empowers ever-more energy-efficient driving.

In terms of safety, the Chenglong Yiwei 5 utilizes a third-generation keel-type cab frame, with the body composed of over 30% high-strength steel. It also features a collapsible front suspension arm for maximum energy absorption in head-on collisions. Its swing-back rear suspension structure ensures maximum cab stability and improves occupant comfort. In terms of active safety, the vehicle is equipped with a number of active safety driver assistance features, including Active Brake Assist (AEBS), 360-degree surround view, and Lane Change Assist. The AEBS system communicates data with load identification, road adhesion coefficient estimation, and other systems, enabling faster and safer braking.
 
The Chenglong Yiwei 5 platform's three electrical components are located over 670mm above the ground and meet IP68 waterproof standards. Core components feature a centralized protection design and are surrounded by protective panels, significantly enhancing the vehicle's water resistance and protection capabilities. The Chenglong Yiwei 5 also pioneers the "AI Cloud Following" intelligent service system based on the DeepSeek deep learning framework, creating a four-in-one monitoring network for "people, vehicles, roads, and cargo." This system not only provides fleet management capabilities but also enables real-time identification of vehicle operating conditions and charging habits. Combined with over-the-air (OTA) technology and remote diagnostics, it establishes a closed data loop, ensuring increased fuel efficiency and safety over time.