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Chinese competition in European electric truck market

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2026-09-10 07:35 UTC → 2026-09-10 09:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.”

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