Against the backdrop of deepening global climate governance and an accelerating energy transition, energy efficiency and emission regulations worldwide are becoming increasingly stringent. The power equipment manufacturing industry is undergoing an unprecedented technological restructuring and industrial transformation. From the low-carbon evolution of traditional internal combustion engines, to the large-scale deployment of new energy power systems, and the scenario-based adaptation of hybrid solutions, the choice of powertrain technology has long moved beyond a simple "replacement" upgrade. It has entered a new phase of "precision" layout based on application scenarios. An industrial transformation centered on "scenario-defined power" is now in full swing.

　　Today, let's explore the boundaries between internal combustion engines, electric, and hybrid solutions.

Global Powertrain Structure Reconfiguration, Coexistence and Co-prosperity of Multiple Technology Paths

　　The profound changes in the global power equipment industry are essentially an inevitable result of the simultaneous resonance of three factors: the "dual carbon" goal, technological innovation, and market demand.

　　On one hand, countries have successively set carbon neutrality development goals. Policy dividends from the EU's 2050 carbon neutrality vision, China's "dual carbon" strategic commitment, and the U.S. Clean Energy Plan continue to drive the accelerated transformation of power equipment towards low-carbon and zero-carbon solutions.

　　On the other hand, breakthrough developments in battery technology, fuel cell technology, and intelligent control technologies have moved new energy power from laboratories to industrial applications, providing solid technical support for a diversified powertrain structure. Furthermore, the differentiated market demands for power reliability, range, operating costs, and infrastructure support across various application scenarios mean that a "one-size-fits-all" approach to powertrain technology is impossible. This has ultimately led to a diversified restructuring pattern of "internal combustion engine upgrades + new energy penetration + hybrid adaptation."

　　Within this restructuring process, two major trends are becoming increasingly evident.

　　First, traditional internal combustion engines are far from exiting the stage; they are undergoing a comprehensive upgrade towards higher efficiency, cleaner operation, and fuel diversification. Technologies for zero-carbon fuel internal combustion engines, such as methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia, are achieving rapid breakthroughs. Dual-fuel engines, like diesel/natural gas and hydrogen/ammonia, have achieved commercial application, ensuring that internal combustion engines retain an irreplaceable core advantage in many scenarios, including heavy-load, long-haul, and extreme operating conditions.

　　Second, the market penetration of new energy power is showing distinct scenario-based differentiation. Pure electric power is rapidly popularizing in short-haul, low-speed, and fixed-route scenarios. Fuel cells are gradually being demonstrated in medium- and heavy-duty, medium-to-long-haul applications. Hybrid power has become a core bridge in the transition from traditional fossil fuels to new energy, enabling seamless integration of different powertrain technologies.

　　The restructuring of the global powertrain structure has not only driven the iterative upgrade of technology paths but has also spurred a comprehensive reorganization and optimization of the supply chain. From the innovative R&D of key components to the implementation of intelligent manufacturing solutions, and from single power products to the integrated innovation of multi-power systems, collaborative innovation across the entire industry chain is becoming a core trend in industry development.

Ten Major Scenarios Precisely Categorized, Clearly Defining the Scenario-Based Boundaries of Technology Paths

　　The 2026 International Internal Combustion Engine and Power Equipment Expo (referred to as the "Power Expo") will focus on ten core application scenarios: passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, construction machinery and mining equipment, agricultural machinery, general aviation, marine, generator sets, garden machinery, recreational machinery, and locomotives and rail vehicles. It will comprehensively showcase the technological innovations and industrial application cases for each scenario. Based on the operational characteristics, technological maturity, and actual market demands of different scenarios, the powertrain technology paths for these ten areas can be clearly divided into three categories: accelerated electrification, hybrid/transition coexistence, and internal combustion engine dominance. The technological boundaries and selection logic for each scenario closely align with practical application needs, truly achieving "scenario-matching technology, technology-serving scenarios."

Accelerated Electrification: Short-Haul, Low-Speed Scenarios Where Pure Electric Becomes Mainstream

　　The core characteristics of these scenarios are short-haul operation, low speed, fixed routes, or easily accessible charging infrastructure. Pure electric power offers significant advantages in operating costs, environmental friendliness, and operational convenience. Their technological maturity and market acceptance have reached the level of large-scale application, making them the absolute mainstream technology path. This mainly covers passenger vehicles, garden machinery, and recreational machinery.

　　Passenger Vehicles: In urban commuting scenarios, pure electric has become the core choice. The "Energy-Saving and New Energy Vehicle Technology Roadmap 3.0" clearly projects that by 2040, the penetration rate of new energy passenger vehicles will exceed 85%, with pure electric accounting for over 80%. Continuous upgrades in battery technology are improving the range and charging efficiency of pure electric passenger vehicles. The expansion of urban charging infrastructure has further lowered the barrier to use. Hybrid solutions mainly serve passenger vehicle markets with long-distance travel needs, creating a complementary pattern.

　　Garden Machinery: Garden machinery such as trimmers, irrigation equipment, and small maintenance tools often operate at low speeds within fixed areas, requiring lower power output. Pure electric solutions offer zero emissions, low noise, and eliminate the need for fuel replenishment, significantly reducing operating costs. Electric garden machinery is gradually replacing traditional fuel-powered models and is becoming the market mainstream.

　　Recreational Machinery: Electric surfboards, electric sightseeing boats, ATVs, sightseeing vehicles, and other recreational machinery are mainly used in closed or semi-closed scenarios such as scenic spots and parks. They have high requirements for environmental protection and user experience. The zero-emission, low-noise characteristics of pure electric power perfectly match these scenario needs. Short-range operation eliminates concerns about long endurance, making electrification the core direction for industry upgrades.

　　In the exhibitor structure of the Power Expo, companies in this category primarily consist of pure electric powertrain suppliers, power battery manufacturers, and intelligent control companies. Vehicle manufacturers like GAC Group have prominently showcased their hydrogen-electric hybrid passenger vehicles at previous expos, forming a complete electrified supply chain from core components to end products.

Hybrid/Transitional Coexistence: Complex Operating Condition Scenarios Requiring Multiple Technology Paths

　　The core characteristics of these scenarios are complex operating conditions, high demands for power reliability and range, and incomplete charging/hydrogen refueling infrastructure. A single power path cannot meet all usage needs, leading to a transitional pattern with hybrid power as the mainstay, supplemented by pure electric and clean internal combustion engines. Hybrid solutions serve as the core bridge connecting traditional energy and new energy. This mainly covers commercial vehicles, construction machinery and mining equipment, agricultural machinery, generator sets, and locomotives and rail vehicles.

　　Commercial Vehicles: Short-haul logistics, urban delivery, and short-distance passenger commercial vehicles have already achieved large-scale electrification. Medium- and long-haul heavy-duty trucks and cold-chain logistics vehicles show a dual-path development trend of "hybrid + fuel cell." The roadmap proposes that by 2040, hybrid vehicles will account for over 65% of new traditional-energy commercial vehicles, and fuel cell commercial vehicles will reach a scale of over 4 million units. Hybrid solutions are the transitional core for medium- and long-haul commercial vehicles, while fuel cells are a key direction for future zero-carbonization.

　　Construction Machinery and Mining Equipment: Equipment like excavators, loaders, and mining trucks operate under complex conditions with extremely high demands for power torque and continuous operation capability. Pure electric power is limited by battery weight and charging time, mainly used in small equipment and fixed workstations. Hybrid solutions can achieve energy savings and consumption reduction while ensuring core operational capabilities, making them the current mainstream. Hydrogen internal combustion engines and fuel cells are being gradually demonstrated in large-scale mining equipment, with continuously improving technological maturity.

　　Agricultural Machinery: Equipment like transplanters, harvesters, and tractors operates across dispersed areas with insufficient infrastructure. Hybrid solutions can combine the range advantage of fuel with the energy-saving benefits of electric power, suitable for cross-regional, long-duration operations. In small-scale operations like greenhouses and orchards, pure electric agricultural machinery is beginning to spread. Clean internal combustion engines still hold a significant position in large tractors and combine harvesters.

　　Generator Sets: Under the "dual carbon" goal, generator sets are transitioning towards cleaner and more intelligent solutions. The share of renewable energy generator sets increased from 30% in 2023 to 38% in 2025, but thermal power generator sets still account for 58% of the market, forming a coexistence pattern of "traditional fuel/gas units + new energy units + hybrid energy storage units." Hydrogen generator sets and dual-fuel generator sets are core directions for clean upgrades, rapidly deployed in emergency power supply for data centers and industrial parks.

　　Locomotives and Rail Vehicles: Urban rail transit has been fully electrified, while freight locomotives and long-distance passenger locomotives are in a transitional phase of "internal combustion-electric drive + hybrid + hydrogen-electric drive." Internal combustion-electric locomotives remain the current mainstay, hybrid locomotives can save energy and reduce consumption, and hydrogen-electric drive is a significant future path for zero-carbon rail vehicles, currently in small-scale demonstration and validation phases.

　　The exhibitor structure for these scenarios is diversified and spans the entire industry chain. At the Power Expo, companies like Hande Axle and FAST showcase their hybrid powertrain systems, while Weichai presents clean internal combustion engine and hybrid integration solutions. Fuel cell engine, power battery, and intelligent energy storage companies also participate, forming a collaborative innovation ecosystem across the supply chain for hybrid, pure electric, and clean internal combustion engine technologies.

Internal Combustion Engines Still Dominant: High-End and Extreme Scenarios Where Low-Carbon Upgrades Are Key

　　The core characteristics of these scenarios are extremely high demands for power output, range, and adaptability to extreme environments. New energy technologies are not yet mature or supporting systems are lacking. Traditional internal combustion engines, upgraded for low-carbon and fuel diversification, retain an irreplaceable core advantage, becoming the core power solution. This mainly covers general aviation and marine applications.

　　General Aviation: Aircraft have stringent requirements for power reliability, lightweighting, and high power density. New energy power (batteries, fuel cells) is limited by energy density and is currently only used in small UAVs and light aircraft. Traditional aviation internal combustion engines, upgraded for fuel optimization and high efficiency, remain the primary power for general aviation. Hydrogen-fueled aviation internal combustion engines are a key future research direction for zero-carbon upgrades, currently in the R&D and testing phases.

　　Marine Power: Large commercial vessels and ocean-going ships have extremely high requirements for range and power output. Pure electric power is limited by battery capacity, mainly used in short-haul river vessels and port operation ships. Fuel cell ships, while demonstrated, lack sufficient hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure for commercialization. Traditional marine internal combustion engines (diesel, natural gas), upgraded for cleanliness, and rapidly developing zero-carbon fuel marine engines (methanol, ammonia) remain the core power for ocean-going vessels. Simultaneously, innovations in marine electric propulsion units (like podded propulsors) enable deep integration of internal combustion engines with electric drives, further improving power efficiency. Technological breakthroughs in domestically produced 10 MW high-power podded propulsors are also driving intelligent upgrades in marine power.

　　At the Power Expo, exhibitors in this category are primarily internal combustion engine manufacturers and key component suppliers, focusing on next-generation internal combustion engine technologies, hydrogen and ammonia fuel engines, and hybrid/electric drive integration solutions, fully demonstrating the trend of low-carbon and zero-carbon upgrades for power systems in high-end scenarios.

Scenario-Based Transformation Generates New Opportunities, Connecting China and Global Supply

　　The global powertrain structural transformation and technology differentiation across ten scenarios have created a demand for collaboration across the entire industry chain. Professional expos have become a key link connecting China and the global supply chain. The 2026 International Internal Combustion Engine and Power Equipment Expo, with a scale of 30,000 square meters of exhibition space, over 400 exhibitors, 35+ concurrent events, and 20,000+ professional visitors, creates a high-end, full-industry-chain platform in the global power equipment field, deeply integrating opportunities between China and the global supply chain. Its core advantages are reflected in three aspects:

　　Full Industry Chain Coverage, Precisely Matching Scenario Needs: The expo comprehensively covers the entire industrial chain of internal combustion engines and new energy power, adapting to different scenario requirements. Exhibitors include complete engine manufacturers, transmission system suppliers, and key component producers, forming a complete supply chain and providing one-stop scenario-based solutions.

　　Integrating Global Resources, Bridging Chinese and International Supply Chains: Leveraging the strengths of its organizers and supervisory bodies, the expo integrates global resources through a multi-channel communication system. It helps Chinese companies connect with global procurement needs while providing a platform for international companies to enter the Chinese market, fostering complementarity in technology and industry between China and the world.

　　Precision Matching Services, Enhancing Resource Conversion Efficiency: Through intelligent matching, online/offline business matching events, and other services, the expo achieves efficient supply-demand alignment. It offers customized services for different buyer groups and, relying on a 365-day industry internet platform, extends the value of the expo throughout the year, maximizing resource conversion.

　　The core logic of the global powertrain transformation is the deep adaptation of technology paths to application scenarios. The three major technology paths—electrification, internal combustion engines, and hybrid power—have formed clear boundaries and a complementary, win-win pattern across the ten scenarios.

　　This scenario-centric approach to technology selection dictates that the development of the power equipment industry will inevitably move towards collaborative innovation across the entire industrial chain. The 2026 International Internal Combustion Engine and Power Equipment Expo, as a high-end, full-industry-chain platform in the global power field, not only showcases the latest technological achievements and application cases across various scenarios but also integrates supply chain resources from China and the world, providing core support for the scenario-based transformation of the power equipment industry.

　　Amidst the wave of powertrain structural transformation, defining technology paths based on scenarios, pursuing development through full-industry-chain collaboration, and using professional expos as resource links will be key to promoting the low-carbon, zero-carbon, and intelligent development of the global power equipment industry. With its complete supply chain, strong innovation capabilities, and immense market demand, China is poised to occupy a central position in this new global powertrain transformation race, working with other nations to build a diversified and sustainable zero-carbon power future.