The truck features a 636kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery on an 800-volt platform, offering a claimed range of over 500 kilometres when operating at 42 tonnes gross combination weight. The vehicle weighs 10.9 tonnes empty, which Sany says maximises payload capacity. Alongside 400kW CCS charging, the e263 will also be capable of megawatt charging (MCS) at a later stage.
The electric axle, powered by twin motors, produces 420kW continuous output and up to 730kW peak output. The truck is also fitted with full air-suspended axles and a range of safety assistance systems designed to meet – and in some cases exceed – upcoming EU General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2) requirements.
Image credits: Sany Trucks
Sany, which claims to have more than 40,000 electric tractors in service worldwide, is targeting European fleets with a promise of “the fastest payback of all electric trucks currently offered in the European market”. According to the company, its total cost of ownership (TCO) is only marginally higher than that of diesel vehicles.
The truck comes with three power take-off options:
- a separate electric motor for hydraulic equipment,
- a gearbox PTO for tipping or silo trailers,
- and an electric power take-off for refrigerated trailers.
To support its European customers, Sany will rely on a service network of more than 700 Alltrucks workshops across the continent. German-based partner Putzmeister will manage spare parts storage, while roadside assistance, over-the-air diagnostics and service contracts of up to 10 years will be available.
Kevin Eichele, Head of Product and Business Development at Sany eTrucks Europe, said the move builds on the success of the company’s existing 8×4 models in Europe’s heavy construction segment.
Rigid versions of the e263 are expected to follow by the end of 2026.
Chinese electric truck makers already active in Europe
Sany is not the first Chinese manufacturer to target Europe’s heavy-duty zero-emission truck market. A growing number of OEMs from China have been expanding into the region in recent years:
- BYD – The Shenzhen-based group has established a commercial vehicle line-up in Europe, focusing on electric vans and medium-duty trucks. Its ETH8, a 19-tonne distribution truck, is already being delivered in the Netherlands, while the smaller ETM6 and the new E-Vali van are being rolled out for last-mile operations. Yard tractors are also part of its European portfolio. However, BYD has not yet launched full heavy-duty long-haul tractor units (40-tonne class) on the continent.
- Windrose Technology – The start-up, legally based in Belgium with operations in the United States and China, has launched heavy-duty electric models in Europe but is facing questions about its financial stability. Allegations of cash shortages and wage arrears have been denied by the company’s CEO, who insists investor backing remains in place.
- SuperPanther – Founded in 2022 in Changzhou, the company struck a deal in 2025 with Steyr Automotive in Austria to assemble two-axle electric tractors for the European market. Production is scheduled to begin in 2026, with ambitions to sell up to 16,000 trucks in Europe by 2030. By manufacturing inside the EU, SuperPanther aims to avoid import tariffs.
