BAIC FOTON has given the CAVAN BEACON, a long-haul heavy truck available in 15 variants spanning battery electric, battery swapping, and gaseous and liquid hydrogen, its global debut at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover. The company reports the truck’s electric range exceeds 373 miles (600 km), its hydrogen range exceeds 621 miles (1,000 km), and megawatt fast charging takes the battery from 20% to 80% in 18 minutes. The FOTON display also marked the delivery of the company’s 13 millionth vehicle and outlined a European strategy that includes local assembly by 2028.
Highlights
- CAVAN BEACON platform: 15 variants across battery electric, battery swapping, and gaseous and liquid hydrogen powertrains
- Charging and range: Megawatt charging from 20–80% in 18 minutes; more than 373 miles (600 km) electric and 621 miles (1,000 km) hydrogen range, per the company
- 2030 targets: New-energy vehicles to account for 50% of sales and international sales to reach 40%
- European footprint: Sales in nearly 20 European markets, more than 300 service outlets, a German parts center, and local assembly by 2028
What Does the CAVAN BEACON Offer?
FOTON positions the CAVAN BEACON as a zero-carbon long-haul truck built on a single platform that supports multiple energy sources. According to the company, the 6×4 electric configuration consumes 1.85 kWh per mile (115 kWh/100 km), and energy consumption is 15% lower than before, though the release does not specify the comparison baseline.
The truck carries ICA and HWP driver-assistance functions, 22 in total, and the company says the platform is ready for Level 4 autonomy. Inside, the cab adds an AI voice assistant, dual screens, and a 39.4-inch (1,000 mm) sleeper berth.
13 Millionth Vehicle and a Europe-Focused Strategy
The company reports its 13 millionth vehicle delivered worldwide was a GALAXUS 9 that had been tested in Spain, a delivery it frames as progress in Europe’s premium long-haul segment. FOTON operates in more than 140 countries.
Under a strategy the company calls “In Europe, For Europe,” FOTON plans a localized new-energy ecosystem built around products, ecosystem capabilities, and partnerships. The stated targets include:
- Market coverage: Sales in nearly 20 European markets
- Service network: More than 300 service outlets and a parts center in Germany
- Manufacturing: Local assembly by 2028
- Connected services: Supported by the company’s BROCK subsidiary
The European lineup spans battery electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel-cell heavy trucks, buses, light commercial vehicles, and pickups. Companywide, FOTON is targeting 50% of sales from new-energy vehicles and 40% from international markets by 2030.
Full Lineup on Display
FOTON showed seven vehicles in Hannover: the GALAXUS R9 PHEV, CAVAN BEACON, eGALAXUS D3, DAYSTAR, CAVAN C1, TUNLAND V9 PHEV, and eAURORA. The company also displayed six components, including batteries, e-controls, e-axles, and megawatt charging equipment. FOTON previously detailed the GALAXUS, DAYSTAR, and CAVAN C1 platforms at its 2026 Global Partners Conference in Beijing.
The company frames the show as a shift from traditional exports to a full-value-chain international model, with internationalization, new energy, and intelligent development as its three strategic priorities. FOTON’s debut comes as other manufacturers, including BYD with its ETT 44 electric tractor, also use IAA Transportation 2026 to introduce megawatt-charging heavy trucks for Europe.
