Chinese truck makers eye European market with bold ambitions

At this year’s IAA Transportation show in Hannover, Chinese truck manufacturers made a strong impression. Their wide range of vehicles, including electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, demonstrated their intent to challenge established European giants such as Daimler, Scania, and DAF. We took a closer look at some of the Chinese models on display.

The Chinese automotive offensive is well underway, and it’s gathering pace. While the recent headlines have focused on cheap Chinese electric cars and the EU tariffs on them, now truck manufacturers are preparing for a push into the European market.

At IAA Transportation 2024, the presence of Chinese exhibitors was notably stronger compared to two years ago. Manufacturers of batteries, vans, and trucks showcased their products, with large, impressive stands displaying a range of vehicles in various power options, including hydrogen, electric, LNG, and conventional diesel.

Among the highlights was the stand of Shandong Heavy Industry Group, the parent company of Sinotruk. Though overshadowed by Daimler’s nearby display, which featured only two trucks, the Chinese exhibitors presented a range of vehicles from brands like Sinotruk, Sitrak, and Shacman.

Record-breaking and futuristic designs

The futuristic, streamlined Yellow River X7 truck from Sinotruk caught the eye at the fair. Both the tractor and the trailer are not rectangular but shaped more like droplets. Thanks to this design, the drag coefficient is an impressive 0.286, which is 40 per cent lower than trucks of a comparable size. This translates into energy savings of up to 10 per cent.

The model with a hydrogen engine displayed at the show is notable for its 530 horsepower and 2,700 Nm of torque, providing a range of over 800 km.

The fair also featured a version with a hydrogen combustion engine, although the vehicle comes in other versions as well, from conventional to electric drives. Incidentally, the diesel version of this truck recently set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven on a single tank, covering a remarkable 4,871 km.

In addition to the Yellow River X7, Sinotruk showcased two Sitrak vehicles (a joint venture with MAN). These included an electric model with a 600 kWh battery, capable of 825 kW output and 75,000 Nm of torque, giving it a range of up to 450 km. The battery can be charged to 80% in just 20 minutes. The FCEV version, equipped with a 300 kW fuel cell system and eight 350-litre hydrogen tanks, offers a range of 1,250 km.

In addition to the Yellow River X7, Sinotruk also unveiled two Sitrak vehicles (a joint venture with MAN) — one with electric batteries and the other with fuel cells. The FCEV model version is equipped with a 300 kW Sitrak fuel cell set and a 100 kWh battery pack that powers a 4 x 275 kW engine. This vehicle outperforms its electric counterpart, boasting a range of 1,250 km. It carries eight hydrogen tanks of 350 litres each at 70 MPa.

Expanding beyond buses

It wasn’t only Sinotruk that opted for vehicles that looked like they were from the future. King Long, traditionally known as a bus manufacturer, also showcased a very futuristic truck. While buses comprised the bulk of the company’s offerings, the show in Hannover featured the Merry Haul tractor equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell engine. The hydrogen fuel cells, rated at 180 kW/220 kW, power a 50 kWh lithium-manganese battery. The truck features two 265 kW engines, providing a range of over 1,000 km.

Diesel and LNG options

Adjacent to Sinotruk’s stand was Shacman, a brand under Shaanxi Automobile Manufacturing. Shacman displayed two long-haul trucks at the show: the diesel-powered X600 Extreme Power Edition, with an 840 hp engine, and the LNG-powered X500, which offers 630 hp.

Steyr’s SuperPanther collaboration

While Sinotruk and Shacmoto are brands with a longer history, originating from the former state-owned truck manufacturer, there was no shortage of newcomers among the Chinese exhibitors at the fair. The technology company SuperPanther Power Technology, which specializes in heavy electric trucks, was founded by Chao Liu in early 2022. In August 2024, the company was included in the Forbes Asia 100 To Watch 2024 list, recognising companies from Asia that demonstrate great growth potential and an innovative approach.

SuperPanther received the IAA World Innovation Award for all four core technologies developed:

• Intelligent Energy Management System (IEM)
• eAxle system with decentralized, demand-controlled power supply
• Built-in 876V high voltage domain control
• Ultra-Low Temperature Thermal Management System (TMS)

The highlight of the trade fair was the self-developed “eAxle-System” drive system, in which the motor is deeply integrated into the drive axle. According to the company, this design enables “a significant increase in the efficiency of power transmission and dynamic control.”

Despite its young age, the Chinese manufacturer has already established cooperation with a European giant. The eTopas 600 electric vehicle, developed in collaboration with Steyr, was showcased at the fair. This electric vehicle features batteries with a capacity of 621 kWh, allowing it to travel up to 500 km on a single charge. The vehicle is equipped with two motors, each with a maximum power of 346 kW. According to the manufacturers, charging the batteries from 20 per cent to 80 per cent should take just 38 minutes. This vehicle is expected to enter production at Steyr’s plants at the end of 2025.

European manufacturers facing a serious challenge?

The significant presence of Chinese companies at the Hannover show signals their ambition to break into the European market, particularly with their range of low- and zero-emission vehicles, which align with EU climate regulations.

European manufacturers are not taking the competition lightly. A Mercedes-Benz representative commented anonymously:

“We don’t need to hide, but we must take the Chinese competition seriously. We have excellent products like the eActros and a strong service network. It would be foolish to underestimate them.”

However, as Chinese battery giant CATL pointed out, entering the European market won’t be easy. Akin Li, head of CATL’s overseas operations, told Reuters that while Chinese companies may have the technology, winning over key fleet customers will be crucial to long-term success. Additionally, Europe’s established service networks and the challenges of supply chains between Asia and Europe could pose significant hurdles.

In collaboration with Michał Pakulniewicz