Amid the global energy transition, hydrogen has emerged as a clean and efficient secondary energy source, gaining prominence in the energy sector. Fuel cells, a core technology for hydrogen utilization, require standardized performance testing to ensure healthy industry development. In November 2025, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) officially released IEC 63341-3:2025, titled "Railway Applications – Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Systems for Rolling Stock – Performance Test Methods for Fuel Cell Power Generation Systems." This standard, led by CRRC, has drawn widespread attention in the global fuel cell industry.

As the first core standard for fuel cells in rolling stock, IEC 63341-3:2025 specifies test bench layout requirements, instrument configurations, measurement methods, and testing conditions for fuel cells using hydrogen as fuel and air as an oxidizer. It defines performance testing methods for fuel cell power generation systems in steady-state and dynamic operations, polarization curves, load curves, and under varying environmental conditions such as altitude, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Additionally, it includes noise and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance testing requirements, establishing a globally unified evaluation framework for fuel cell systems in rail applications.

The release of this standard marks another major breakthrough for CRRC in international standardization, significantly enhancing China's influence in the global hydrogen energy supply chain. Under the guidance of the China Electrical Equipment Industry Association, CRRC submitted a proposal in October 2019 at the IEC/TC105 plenary meeting, securing leadership in drafting this international standard. A working group, chaired by CRRC Tangshan’s senior technical expert Liu Nan and comprising top fuel cell companies such as Ballard, Toyota, and Siemens, was formed to develop the standard.

In April 2021, the group merged with IEC/TC9 PT63341 to establish IEC/TC9 JWG51, leading the development of the IEC 63341 series. Through persistent efforts, the team successfully integrated "China’s approach" into the international standard, contributing to global fuel cell industry progress and strengthening China’s role in hydrogen energy standardization.

The IEC is one of the world’s most authoritative standardization bodies, with IEC/TC9 being its sole technical committee for rail transport and IEC/TC105 serving as the core organization for global fuel cell standards. The jointly released IEC 63341 series represents the most influential technical guidelines for fuel cells in rail applications. IEC 63341-3:2025, focusing on performance testing methods for rail fuel cell systems, provides strong momentum for industry growth and supports China’s "dual carbon" goals.