Truck Innovation Award (China) 2026

On November 10, 2025, the winners of 2026 China Truck of the Year Award Program were announced at the 2026 China International Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (CCVS) in Wuhan. The newly launched iDream hybrid tractor of NEXTAR (brand nameBeijing in China) brought home the "2026 Truck Innovation Award (China)" award with its cutting-edge design concept, state-of-the-art technological innovation, outstanding cost-saving performance, and intelligent experiences tackling core concerns of users. This is the second prestigious award NEXTAR has won following the "China Truck of the Year 2024 " award, fully demonstrating NEXTAR’s leading position in technology innovation.

The iDream hybrid tractor is a brand-new power model of the X9 series, unlike mainstream hybrid tractors on the market, it is positioned as a "new diesel truck". Prevailing concerns over hybrid trucks including insufficient fuel economy, high failure rates, and high purchase costs are effectively addressed through self-developed PACC 30km anticipatory energy management technology, dedicated hybrid system, vigorous cost control approaches. Unlike mainstream models in the domestic market, iDream better meets the market needs with its three major innovations: coordinated control of the power train with NEXTAR innovative VCU (vehicle brain) and algorithm (vehicle nerves); efficient energy management by the one and only system of its kind in the industry - 30km anticipatory energy management; whole sets of customized hybrid hardware jointly developed with leading partners. As a result iDream out performs competing products by 50% in terms of its quality based on high-altitude/high-cold/high-temperature test, bench test, and digital twin simulation validation, and demonstrated outstanding performance in the 2026 China Truck of the Year Award Program.

Power train: core components are all customized for hybrid operation—including Foton Cummins miller-cycle engine designed specifically for hybrid systems, 12-speed AMT hybrid-specific transmission with 20% improvement in shift response speed, and a 30kWh dedicated power battery supporting 8C fast charging and a cycle life exceeding 8000 cycles, the three of which has achieved full alignment and efficient synergy at the hardware level. The overall curb weight of iDream is basically kept even with conventional fuel trucks, and 500kg lighter than other hybrid models on the market,  allowing the vehicle to maintain strong power while effectively improving its actual loading capacity and profit margins.

Intelligence breakthrough is another highlight of this iDream hybrid tractor, the most trailblazing is the industry-unique "30km anticipatory fuel-electric distribution algorithm” independently developed  by BAIC Trucks, it observes road condition up to 30km ahead, uses big-data analysis and algorithm models to intelligently anticipate load changes, plan optimal operating range and energy distribution strategy for the engine and the electric motor, achieving 3% more improvement in fuel efficiency. This technology not only makes the entire hybrid system more intelligent, efficient, and reliable, but also pushes intelligent control to a new level. Combined with the self-developed hybrid system control algorithm, iDream achieves an overall fuel efficiency of 15% lower than that of competing models under normal operating conditions.

Thanks to highly integrated power train, smart core component design, and outstanding supply chain integration, the overall cost of iDream is significantly reduced, giving it a clear price advantage over competing products, the price of iDream can stay at the same level as conventional diesel trucks.

Equipped with a large 30kWh battery, iDream no longer requires an external parking air conditioner, allowing for a week's worth of air conditioning power even when the engine is off. When going downhill, the kinetic energy recovery function indirectly achieves a deceleration effect similar to that of a hydraulic retarder in a fuel-powered trucks, making long downhill driving more comfortable. Minimal air-drag design significantly reduces driving noise, creating a quieter driving environment for long-distance drivers; large dashboard display, multi-functional air-suspension seats, and other comfort features greatly enhance driving experiences.

Yu Jing, Chairman of the China Truck of the Year Jury, gave iDream high praise: "iDream hybrid tractor has set a new benchmark standard for the commercial vehicle industry with its forward-looking technological innovation and excellent market adaptability. This model has not only achieved major breakthroughs in power train, but also demonstrated significant advantages in fuel economy, purchase cost, and intelligence, representing an important direction for the future development of commercial vehicles towards 'high efficiency, low carbon, and intelligence'."

A representative from BAIC Trucks said: "The success of iDream  is attributed to our deep understanding of the pain points in the logistics industry, in-depth research into the pain points users experience in actual operations, and continuous technological accumulation and innovation. This product not only embodies BAIC Trucks’ user-friendly R&D philosophy, core technological strength, but also demonstrates our commitment in promoting green and sustainable development of the industry. We believe that iDream, with its price advantage, will bring tangible cost reduction and efficiency improvement to logistics companies, reviving diesel trucks with technological innovation."