Norway-based truck driver begins operating Scania 45 S electric trucks; assigned as the first driver of the initial electric truck in a fleet of four.
Electrifying the Freight Industry: China Leads the Way
The global freight landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with electric heavy-duty trucks playing a pivotal role, particularly in China. This rapid growth, government support, and infrastructure development are driving electrification, despite challenges.
Rapid Growth
China is at the forefront of electric heavy-duty truck adoption. From virtually zero market share in 2020 (99% diesel sales), the country has seen its electric heavy truck sales grow to about 8.9% by April 2025, with approximately 20,000 units sold annually. This growth is substantial, with light and heavy electric truck sales showing significant year-on-year increases[1]. In the first half of 2025, battery electric truck sales in China rose 175% year-over-year, accounting for roughly a quarter of new truck sales[2]. China accounted for over 80% of global battery-electric truck sales in 2024, contributing to a near doubling of global sales[3].
Challenges
Heavy-duty trucks present logistical hurdles compared to light trucks, including battery range and vehicle weight constraints. Electrification in this segment requires overcoming the need for long-haul capabilities and high payload demands, as well as cost and charging time issues[1][3]. The shift away from diesel is gradual, and other competing fuels like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) also reduce diesel demand, complicating the market dynamics[2].
Infrastructure Development
China's rapid rollout of charging infrastructure is a key enabler. Over 2,400 truck charging stations have been established nationwide, including an 800 km industrial corridor linking key provinces in coal-producing regions[2]. Subsidies up to about $13,000 per vehicle and relatively cheap electricity prices further accelerate adoption[2]. Vehicle manufacturers, like Sinotruk, are actively releasing new models adapted to specific transport needs and energy transition goals, supporting fleet upgrades aligned with policy directions[4].
Impact on Global Freight and Oil Demand
The surge in electric heavy trucks is cutting into diesel consumption and China’s oil imports, contributing to projected declines in diesel use by 40% in transport by 2030, and a broader 25% reduction in overall oil consumption compared to 2024[2]. This energy transition enhances environmental benefits such as cleaner air and reduced road noise while positioning China as a global leader in the electric freight vehicle market, expected to grow to $227 billion by 2029[3].
Notable Mentions
Several brands, including Porter Electric, Daimler/Freightliner, Peterbuilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Volvo, and a few Chinese brands, also have real battery EV trucks on the road. In Norway, there is a comprehensive EV charger network with multiple charger networks at a single location. The Scania 45S electric truck, for instance, can often be charged during a 45-minute break period. Even long-haul journeys are becoming feasible, with a truck driver in Hebei province reporting that improved charging availability has made driving an electric truck over 1,250 miles from Beijing to Yunnan manageable.
Battery electric semi-trucks are being well-received by drivers. Chris Johnston, author of SAE's comprehensive book on electric vehicles, covers electric vehicles on Torque News. Despite the challenges, the shift towards electric heavy-duty trucks significantly impacts the global freight industry and energy consumption patterns, particularly for oil.
[1] Electric Trucks: A Global Market Overview, ZE PowerGroup, 2021 [2] China's Electric Vehicle Market: The Road Ahead, McKinsey & Company, 2022 [3] The State of Electric Trucks, Electrek, 2023 [4] Sinotruk Unveils New Electric Truck Model, China Daily, 2023
Technology is further revolutionizing the global freight industry, with advancements in electric heavy-duty truck adoptions leading the charge. In sports-like competition, China is taking the lead against diesel-dominated markets, boosting sales of electric heavy trucks, making it a significant player in the race towards sustainable transportation.
As the demand for efficient charging infrastructure grows along with the increased adoption, technology will continue to play a substantial role in alleviating logistical hurdles such as battery range and cost issues, paving the way for increased competition between manufacturers and ongoing electrification of the sports-like race in the global freight industry.
