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China is accelerating its transition from diesel-powered trucks to electric alternatives at breakneck speed. Once almost entirely dependent on diesel for heavy freight, the country has seen a sharp rise in electric truck adoption, signalling profound changes for fuel consumption and emissions worldwide.
In 2020, diesel trucks dominated new sales across China. Fast forward to 2025, and electric vehicles now represent more than one-fifth of new heavy truck purchases. Analysts predict that this figure could climb beyond half of all new sales within the next year, meaning China’s energy sector will need to dramatically restructure in order to meet new electricity demands.
Heavy-duty trucks play a crucial role in economic activity but are also major contributors to carbon emissions. Historically, the sheer weight of batteries limited the practicality of electric models, making diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) appear more viable. However, advances in battery performance and declining costs have tilted the balance, making electric vehicles an attractive and commercially viable choice for fleet operators. Despite higher upfront prices, electric trucks now offer significant lifetime savings due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
Alongside these economic efficiencies, the Chinese government is rewarding electrification efforts through a series of ambitious government incentives including programs that reward owners for trading in older vehicles.
Infrastructure development has further fuelled the shift, with key freight corridors now featuring rapid charging stations, and major cities investing in high-capacity charging hubs capable of powering heavy trucks in minutes. Battery manufacturers are also introducing innovative solutions such as battery-swapping systems, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
As electric trucks gain popularity, China’s demand for diesel is already declining sharply. LNG, once viewed as a cleaner bridge fuel, is also beginning to lose momentum. Industry experts suggest this trend could ripple across international energy markets, reshaping trade flows and reducing fossil fuel dependency in freight transport.
This rapid acceleration towards electrification starkly contrasts with the situation in the U.S which has seen a slowed growth in EV adoption following the end of the EV tax credit. The gap highlights a growing divide in the global drive toward clean mobility.
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