China’s electric truck market is developing at a markedly different pace from Europe, creating an increasingly important reference point for manufacturers and technology suppliers. ZF CEO Mathias Miedreich described China as the current “center of gravity” for electric-drive technology, with battery-electric trucks already representing around 30% of the Chinese market.

ZF expects this share to approach 50% in the future, while electric trucks currently account for only a low-single-digit share of the European market. The difference reflects not only vehicle demand but also the speed at which manufacturers, suppliers and infrastructure providers are developing around electric commercial transport.

Chinese truck manufacturers are also becoming increasingly active outside their domestic market. ZF expects this expansion to create opportunities for European suppliers, particularly when Chinese manufacturers begin exporting electric trucks to northern Europe. Two of China's three largest truck manufacturers are expected to present vehicles equipped with ZF electric powertrains at IAA Transportation in Hanover.

For ZF, the situation creates an interesting strategic balance. The company expects most electric trucks sold in China eventually to use locally supplied electric-drive technology, but sees potential to work with Chinese manufacturers as they expand internationally. Greater production volumes could also help reduce component costs and support the company's European operations.

At the same time, ZF is taking a more diversified approach to Europe's slower transition. The company is supporting hybrid technologies alongside electric drivetrains, reflecting uncertainty about how quickly zero-emission trucks will become economically viable across different European applications.

The contrasting development paths highlight that freight electrification is unlikely to follow a single global trajectory. Vehicle costs, charging infrastructure, regulations, operating distances and fleet economics all influence adoption. For Europe, the rapid development of electric trucks in China offers both competitive pressure and an opportunity to observe technologies and business models developing at much greater scale.

The coming years may therefore see increasing interaction between Chinese and European commercial-vehicle ecosystems, particularly as electric truck technology moves from regional experimentation towards international markets.

You find the article here.

MARTIN, Marilen. ZF CEO calls China 'center of gravity' for electric trucks. Transport Topics [online]. 2026_09_09 [cit. 2026-10-01]. Accessable: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/car-supplier-zf-china-etruck

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