Car sales in China have softened after years of breakneck growth, but electric trucks are experiencing a surge, with sales tripling in 2025. At the recent Beijing auto show, a hulking silver electric truck dominated the showroom. Electric trucks, like the battery-powered model from GAC Lingcheng New Energy Commercial Vehicle Co., now constitute 20% of the segment, with monthly sales exceeding 24,000 in March. Xu Shuo, CFO at GAC Lingcheng, emphasized that fleet operators are switching to electric trucks due to economic viability, not just regulatory pressure.
The economics of electric trucks have seen improvements in recent months, driven by soaring truck fuel prices in China following the outbreak of the Iran war. Running a truck on electricity is generally cheaper than diesel, especially considering the significant price increases in liquefied natural gas and diesel.
Clean truck sales were already on an upward trajectory before the war, with advancements in battery and charging technologies facilitating the electrification of long-distance and heavy haulage. BNEF estimates forecast electric heavy-duty commercial vehicles capturing 63% of total sales in China by 2035. Xu anticipates intensified competition within China's electric truck market, pointing to the irreversible momentum toward electrification.
While heavy-duty e-trucks are currently more prevalent for short-haul trips, the Chinese government aims to bridge the gap by constructing approximately 6,200 miles of zero-emission freight corridors by 2030. Charging infrastructure is also expanding, with 9,000 stations announced as of September. Shen, a truck driver, highlighted the cost savings of electric trucks, noting that charging fees are significantly lower than fuel costs for his typical journey between Tianjin and Baoding.
The electric truck industry in China is witnessing significant growth driven by economic factors and environmental initiatives. Despite challenges related to long-haul trips, the future looks promising with increasing adoption rates and infrastructure development. The shift toward electrification appears to be a long-term trend that is reshaping the commercial vehicle landscape in China.