Chinese electric freight truck manufacturers are accelerating their entry into the European market, following the same path that Chinese electric vehicle brands previously took in the European passenger car market expansion.
According to a Reuters survey, at least six Chinese companies plan to begin selling electric heavy-duty trucks in Europe by 2026. These companies include BYD, Geely's subsidiary Farizon, SANY Heavy Truck, Sinotruk, as well as electric truck startups AVATR and Sunra.
Price Advantage Could Reshape Market Landscape
Industry executives predict that Chinese brands will price their products approximately 30% lower than the local average price of €320,000 for electric heavy trucks in the European market.
This price advantage mainly stems from China's mature electric vehicle supply chain and battery manufacturing capability, along with the economies of scale driven by its vast domestic market.
Currently, the European electric heavy truck market is still in its early stages. Data shows that the market share of electric heavy trucks in the EU is expected to be 4.2% in 2025, up from 2.3% in 2024.
However, since electric trucks are typically priced three times higher than the average diesel truck price of €100,000, market penetration remains restricted.
Technological Competition is Accelerating
Industry insiders note that Chinese electric truck companies excel in development speed.
Phil Dunne, Managing Director at consultancy Grant Thornton Stax, commented that European truck manufacturers originally anticipated that it would take Chinese companies longer to develop European models, given the traditional industry development cycle is approximately seven years.
For instance, Chinese startup AVATR developed its Global E700 electric truck in just three years, gaining regulatory approval in China, Europe, and the United States.
Establishment of European Service Networks
To alleviate concerns among European fleets regarding after-sales service for Chinese brands, some Chinese companies have begun establishing local service networks.
Sunra and SANY Heavy Truck have partnered with Germany's Alltrucks, which operates around 650 service centers across Europe.
BYD plans to produce electric trucks at its bus factory in Hungary, while Sunra intends to assemble vehicles at a former MAN truck factory in Austria.
Version Three — Global Financial Media Style
Chinese Electric Heavy Trucks Enter the European Market
Chinese electric heavy-duty truck manufacturers are expediting their foray into the European market, aiming to challenge traditional European truck manufacturers amid the electrification transition.
A Reuters survey reveals that at least six Chinese companies, including BYD, Geely's subsidiary Farizon, SANY Heavy Truck, Sinotruk, and startups AVATR and Sunra, plan to start selling electric heavy trucks in Europe by 2026.
Cost Advantage Becomes Key Competitive Edge
European truck industry executives state that Chinese manufacturers are expected to price their products about 30% lower than the local average price of around €320,000 for electric heavy trucks.
This advantage primarily arises from the maturity and scale of China's electric vehicle industry chain.
Data indicates that the growth rate of Chinese electric heavy truck sales is significantly faster than that of the European market.
Meanwhile, the European electric heavy truck market is still in its infancy, with an EU market share projected at 4.2% in 2025, up from 2.3% in 2024.
Technological and Development Cycle Advantages
Industry experts point out that Chinese companies demonstrate a clear advantage in product development speed.
The Global E700 electric truck developed by AVATR completed development in just three years and received regulatory approval in multiple markets. Its design features a central driving seat layout to accommodate different countries' left and right-hand drive requirements.
European Companies Face New Competition
Volvo Group CEO Martin Lundstedt stated that Chinese competitors are "acting swiftly and possess strong innovation capabilities," placing new competitive pressure on European truck manufacturers.
As the transition to electrification advances, Chinese brands may impact the landscape of the European heavy truck market in the coming years.
