China’s BEV Trucks and the End of Diesel’s Dominance - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica highlights the emergence of affordable Chinese battery electric heavy trucks (BEVs) that are challenging the dominance of diesel in the global freight industry. These trucks, priced between €58,000 and €85,000 for models with 400 kWh to 600 kWh batteries, are purpose-built electric vehicles featuring integrated e-axles and simplified chassis designs that eliminate the complexity of diesel powertrains. This cost advantage stems from large-scale manufacturing and the removal of expensive diesel components, resulting in prices significantly lower than Western electric trucks, which often start near €250,000. However, these Chinese BEV trucks are primarily designed for the domestic market and require modifications to meet Western standards. Upgrades such as certified tires, electronic stability controls, crash protection, improved cab comfort, and advanced driver assistance systems add roughly €20,000 to €40,000 to the cost, bringing the total to about €80,000 to €120,000 for short haul applications.