BY COMFORT OGBONNA
Chinese electric freight truck manufacturers are rapidly expanding into Europe, signaling a major shift in the continent’s commercial vehicle market. Following the earlier surge of Chinese electric passenger cars in Europe, these companies are now targeting the heavy-duty truck sector with advanced technology and significantly lower prices, raising concerns among established European manufacturers.
More than half a dozen Chinese truck makers are preparing to launch heavy electric truck sales across Europe in 2026. Among the companies planning to enter the market are BYD, a global leader in electric vehicles, along with Geely Holding’s commercial vehicle unit Farizon, major Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Sany, state-owned truck maker Sinotruk, and emerging startups such as Windrose Technology and SuperPanther.
The growing presence of Chinese truck manufacturers is expected to intensify competition in Europe’s commercial vehicle sector, which has long been dominated by established European brands.
One of the most closely watched newcomers is Windrose Technology, a startup founded in 2022 that is already making aggressive moves to expand globally. The company plans to manufacture trucks in Europe and is also exploring potential production in the United States through a partnership with Xos, a company known for producing delivery trucks used by major logistics firms such as UPS and FedEx.
Such expansion could place Windrose in direct competition with Tesla’s electric heavy-duty truck, the Tesla Semi. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently indicated that mass production of the long-awaited truck could begin this year, nearly nine years after the vehicle was first unveiled in 2017.
Price is expected to be one of the most powerful competitive advantages for Chinese manufacturers entering Europe. Industry executives say the new electric trucks could be priced up to 30% below the European average of roughly €320,000 ($380,000). Lower production costs, large-scale manufacturing in China, and access to a well-developed battery supply chain allow Chinese companies to offer more competitive pricing.
China has already developed a much larger market for electric heavy-duty trucks than Europe. Zero-emission freight vehicles currently account for about 29% of heavy truck sales in China, giving manufacturers extensive experience in both production and technology development.
In contrast, electric trucks represented only 4.2% of total truck sales in the European Union in 2025, though that figure has grown from 2.3% the previous year. High costs remain one of the main barriers to wider adoption. Electric freight trucks currently cost roughly three times more than conventional diesel trucks, which typically average around €100,000.
European truck operators have historically shown strong loyalty to well-known brands, giving established manufacturers an important advantage. Major European truck makers such as Daimler Truck, Volvo Group, Iveco, and Traton Group — which owns the MAN and Scania truck brands — have long dominated the European market and maintain a strong global presence.
However, many fleet owners are also highly sensitive to operating costs, creating a potential opening for lower-priced Chinese alternatives.
Chris Heron, secretary general of E‑Mobility Europe, warned that European manufacturers may have only a short window to strengthen their competitive position before Chinese companies gain a strong foothold in the market.
According to Heron, European truck makers may have just one or two years to establish an advantage before Chinese competitors significantly expand their market share.
Executives within the European trucking industry acknowledge that the challenge from Chinese manufacturers is real. Martin Lundstedt, CEO of the Volvo Group, said Chinese competitors are moving quickly and demonstrating strong innovation, decisiveness, and commitment to the market.
Industry groups are also stepping up efforts to protect European manufacturers by pushing policymakers to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks across the continent.
Organizations such as the European Automobile Manufacturers Association and E-Mobility Europe are urging the European Commission to introduce policies that would stimulate demand for electric freight trucks before Chinese manufacturers capture a significant share of the market.
Proposed measures include reducing highway tolls for electric trucks, introducing zero-emission freight requirements for large logistics companies, and expanding financial incentives for fleet electrification.
Environmental groups are also backing efforts to increase demand for electric freight vehicles. The advocacy organization Transport & Environment has supported several proposals aimed at accelerating the transition away from diesel trucks.
Evidence of growing interest in electric freight vehicles was demonstrated earlier this year when the government of the Netherlands launched a subsidy program worth approximately $95 million for electric trucks. The funding was fully allocated within a single day, highlighting strong demand from logistics operators.
Analysts say one of the biggest surprises for European manufacturers has been the speed at which Chinese companies have developed competitive products.
Phil Dunne, managing director at consultancy Grant Thornton’s strategy division Stax, noted that European truck makers expected Chinese companies to take much longer to develop vehicles suitable for European markets. The typical development cycle for heavy-duty trucks in the industry is about seven years.
However, Chinese manufacturers have dramatically accelerated that timeline.
Windrose, for example, developed its Global E700 electric truck in just three years and successfully secured regulatory approval to sell the vehicle in China, Europe, and the United States.
The truck’s design features a central driver’s seat, allowing the same vehicle configuration to be used in both left-hand and right-hand driving markets. This design eliminates the need to produce different versions for different regions, helping reduce development costs.
The company spent roughly $99 million developing the E700 and plans to sell the vehicle in Europe for about €250,000. In China, where competition is much more intense, the same truck sells for less than half that price.
European logistics companies are already showing interest. Belgian transport firm Gilbert de Clercq is preparing to receive one of the trucks, attracted by its price as well as its performance capabilities.
The E700 offers a driving range of about 670 kilometers (416 miles) and can recharge in approximately 35 minutes, a charging speed that is more than twice as fast as many electric trucks currently available in Europe.
To address concerns about service and maintenance, Chinese truck manufacturers are building support networks across the continent. Companies including SuperPanther and Sany have signed service agreements with Alltrucks, which operates a network of around 650 service centers throughout Europe.
Some manufacturers are also investing directly in European production facilities. BYD plans to produce trucks at its bus factory in Hungary, while Steyr Automotive will assemble SuperPanther trucks at a factory in Austria that previously produced MAN trucks.
Meanwhile, European manufacturers are also strengthening their presence in China to remain competitive. Scania, part of Traton Group, recently invested about €2 billion to build a factory near Shanghai that currently produces diesel trucks and will eventually manufacture electric models as well.
The company has also expanded its research and development operations in China, recruiting engineering talent to help it compete more effectively against rapidly advancing Chinese rivals.
Industry leaders say one of the biggest lessons European manufacturers may need to learn from China is the ability to quickly transform innovation into large-scale industrial production.
As global demand for zero-emission freight transportation grows, the competition between Chinese and European truck makers is expected to intensify significantly over the coming years.
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