# Chinese competition in European electric truck market

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-competition-in-european-electric-truck-market
> Updated: 2026-09-11T05:48:46.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

Chinese manufacturers are entering the European heavy-duty electric truck market with lower-cost vehicles that are reportedly reaching technical parity with Western models. This expansion poses a potential disruption to a sector responsible for approximately 75 percent of land-based goods transport in Europe.

Recent industry data indicates that while European fleet operators are optimistic about expansion, satisfaction with current manufacturers is declining. A 2026 Bain & Company survey of over 500 decision-makers across several European nations shows that brand loyalty is weakening, with approximately one-third of operators considering switching manufacturers. Chinese brands are increasingly viewed as viable alternatives, with one in three operators open to purchasing from them within three years, specifically regarding battery-electric vehicles.

In response to decarbonization demands, major players are deploying new technologies. Amazon is expanding its European efforts by deploying Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks, with over 50 units expected to operate in Germany by the end of 2026 and the majority of a 200-vehicle order destined for the United Kingdom. These trucks are designed for long-haul and middle-mile routes with ranges up to 500 kilometers.

As of September 2026, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has delivered the first 27 eActros 600 battery-electric trucks to Amazon in Germany. This delivery is part of a larger agreement for more than 200 units. To support this rollout, Amazon is investing in charging infrastructure, planning to install hundreds of heavy-duty chargers across its European locations. Under optimal conditions, these chargers can replenish a truck battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 70 minutes.

Daimler Truck is pursuing a dual-technology strategy to address the transition. Alongside battery-electric vehicles, the company plans to invest several hundred million euros by the end of the decade into hydrogen-powered trucks. CEO Karin Rådström noted that hydrogen serves specific use cases requiring “higher payloads and faster refueling times.”

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Daimler Truck invests in hydrogen technology for heavy-duty transport

Daimler Truck is investing hundreds of millions of euros in hydrogen technology, aiming to deploy 100 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles by late 2026 as part of a dual battery-and-hydrogen strategy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daimler-truck-invests-in-hydrogen-technology-for-heavy-duty-transport

### 2026-09-09: Amazon receives first Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks

Amazon has received its first 27 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks in Germany, part of a larger order to expand its zero-emission heavy-duty freight fleet across Europe.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amazon-receives-first-mercedes-benz-eactros-600-electric-trucks

### 2026-09-07: Amazon and Daimler Truck advance European heavy-duty vehicle decarbonization

Amazon is deploying Mercedes-Benz electric trucks in Europe, while Daimler Truck invests hundreds of millions in hydrogen technology amid shifting European fleet operator preferences.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-truck-fleet-operators-show-growth-optimism-amid-declining-brand-loyalty

### 2026-09-05: China challenges European electric truck market with lower costs

Chinese manufacturers are challenging the European heavy-duty truck market with electric models that are cheaper and technically competitive with Western alternatives.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-challenges-european-electric-truck-market-with-lower-costs

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Cite as: Chinese competition in European electric truck market. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-competition-in-european-electric-truck-market