KATHMANDU: Rising diesel prices after the Iran war are expected to accelerate the adoption of electric heavy trucks in China, according to Reuters.
Data from CVWorld.cn shows new-energy heavy truck sales in China increased 45 percent year-on-year to 44,000 units in the first quarter of 2026. Electric trucks now account for more than 25 percent of total heavy truck sales in the country.
Analysts say the sharp rise in diesel prices is making electric trucks more attractive for fleet operators. Since the war began on February 28, diesel prices in China have increased by 27 percent.
Most electric heavy trucks currently offer around 300 km driving range and are mainly used for short-distance operations. However, manufacturers including SANY are now introducing models capable of delivering up to 600 km range.
Electric trucks remain more expensive than diesel models. EV heavy trucks in China cost over USD 73,500, while diesel versions cost more than USD 44,000. However, lower operating costs and government subsidies are helping boost demand.
Research firm GL Consulting estimates the total lifetime cost of an electric truck is nearly half that of a diesel truck over 1 million kilometers.
China is also expanding exports of electric trucks to Europe. In 2024, China sold around 160,000 electric trucks, while Europe recorded sales of fewer than 25,000 units.
