China's Electric Truck Sales Surge, Further Reducing Diesel Use.

Electric truck sales in China have surged, further eroding the use of diesel fuel in the country. Sany Heavy Industry, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has seen a significant increase in electric truck sales, with China accounting for 85.4% of its net sales. The shift towards electric vehicles is expected to continue, driven by government policies and consumer demand for cleaner, more environmentally friendly options.

China's leadership in the electric truck market has solidified as the country's adoption of electric long-haul trucks surges, further reducing the demand for diesel fuel. According to the Asian Times, China is extending its dominance from passenger cars to heavy trucks, with the global electric truck market expected to more than double in size to $89 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 26% to $227 billion by 2029 [1].

Sany Heavy Industry, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, has seen a significant increase in electric truck sales. China accounted for 85.4% of its net sales, driven by government policies and consumer demand for cleaner, more environmentally friendly options. The shift towards electric vehicles is expected to continue, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting that global sales of battery-powered electric trucks increased by nearly 80% in 2024, led by a 2X increase in China, which accounted for more than 80% of the total [1].

The total cost of ownership of a heavy-duty electric truck used in long-haul transport has already reached parity with diesel trucks in China, with savings on fuel offsetting the higher price for electric trucks. In Europe and the US, the IEA expects parity to be reached by 2030. The operating cost of electric trucks can be lowered by charging batteries during the rest periods required for commercial drivers [1].

The world’s top makers of electric trucks include BYD, Dongfeng Motor, SANY Heavy Industry, XCMG, and Sinotruk in China; AB Volvo (Volvo Trucks) and Daimler Truck in Europe; and Paccar and Tesla in the US. However, the US and Europe are missing out on another clean-energy market opportunity due to weaker support for the industry compared to China [1].

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) acknowledges the need for a fit-for-purpose charging network for heavy-duty vehicles to decarbonize road transport. However, the EU's electricity grid is not yet ready to handle the power requirements, and further political measures are needed to support the transition [1].

In contrast, the Trump administration has been tearing down regulatory supports for zero-emission vehicles, including electric trucks. On June 12, the president signed Congressional Review Act resolutions revoking California’s Clean Air Act waivers, which allow the state to set its own strict vehicle emission standards [1].

China's dominance in the electric truck market is not only driven by government policies but also by the country's robust charging infrastructure and advancements in battery performance and manufacturing capacity. The Chinese government's support for the industry has resulted in significant growth, with the number of electric trucks sold in China rising to about 75,000 vehicles in 2024 [1].

References:
[1] https://asiatimes.com/2025/07/china-leads-the-adoption-of-electric-long-haul-trucks/
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4465622-electric-stuff-byd-starts-vehicle-production-in-brazil-as-it-continues-to-expand-outside-of-china