After having demonstrated their power in the field of electric cars, Chinese companies are now turning their attention to a less visible sector to date: that of electric trucks. By capitalizing on an efficient domestic supply chain and very competitive prices, Chinese manufacturers and start-ups are seeking to repeat the success experienced with electric cars in their countries. Note this last clarification carefully, because, on a global scale, between the increase in customs fees and competition from historic manufacturers, the Chinese are having difficulty establishing themselves in certain markets, particularly in Europe and the United States.
Today, a marginal share
The proof is, over the first 11 months of 2024, the market share of Chinese cars in France stands at around 1.5%, and where almost 80% of sales are concentrated around a single brand: MG. We are therefore far from the predicted tidal wave, and for future Chinese electric trucks, the task does not necessarily look so simple either. However, without warning, China is already establishing itself in an electric truck market that is still in its infancy. By 2023, Chinese companies were responsible for 70% of global electric truck sales. However, these vehicles still only represent a marginal share of the overall heavy goods vehicle market, with less than 1% according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
First international successes
On the roads of countries like Italy, Poland, Spain and Mexico, several Chinese models are already on the road, produced by BYD or Beiqi Foton. To strengthen their presence, these companies have established assembly plants in different regions of the globe. However, in more demanding markets, the performance and durability of these vehicles lag behind their Western competitors. In Europe, their market share remains very marginal, in a market, of course, where sales are also high, even if several historic manufacturers like Volvo Trucks or even Renault Trucks are playing the electric card to the fullest, with an already interesting range.
A sector still difficult to convince
Remember that the heavy goods vehicle sector is one of the most difficult to decarbonize, after aviation and maritime transport. One of the main challenges is to reconcile battery autonomy with their weight: Batteries that are too heavy reduce efficiency, while batteries that are too small limit the distance traveled on a charge. Currently, Chinese trucks often perform below international standards. For example, according to the Zero-Emission Technology Inventory, Chinese models offer an average range of 250 km, compared to 322 km for those in the United States. European models are around around 400 km, but in real use, the difference can be more marked.
Gap reduction in sight
China is mainly working on solutions other than pure autonomy. Technological advances, such as rapid battery replacement, could narrow this gap. For its part, the battery manufacturer CATL has set up stations to replace exhausted power supplies in record time, a bit like the Chinese manufacturer Nio with its Nio Power Swap Station.
