Chinese state-owned truck-maker Beiqi Foton Motor Company has signed an agreement with Huawei Digital Power Technologies Company to collaborate on the development of electrification technologies for battery-powered heavy-duty trucks and in establishing an ultra-fast recharging network.

Foton confirmed that the two companies aim to accelerate the transition of battery-powered heavy trucks from just “limited-use cases” at present to “an era of fully electric logistics,” which it says will significantly help reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions.

The two companies plan to leverage their respective strengths in the partnership, with Foton contributing its commercial vehicle expertise, while Huawei Digital Power focuses on integrating digital and power electronics technologies. They are looking to address some key challenges facing battery-powered heavy-duty trucks, including extended charging times and low operational efficiency.

Earlier this year Huawei Digital Power launched its “megawatt-level” ultra-fast charging solution tailored for heavy-duty trucks, which the company claims delivers a stable output of 2,400 amps, making it four times more efficient than conventional charging networks. It claims its chargers can provide a heavy truck with a 100 km range with a "five-minute charge.”

Foton is looking to accelerate the launch of commercial vehicle models compatible with the new charging standard, which it says will allow it to provide smarter, more energy-efficient solutions for the commercial vehicle ecosystem.