China’s diesel trucks are shifting to electric

China is accelerating the transition from diesel trucks to electric models at a faster pace than anticipated, potentially transforming global fuel demand and the future of heavy transport.

In 2020, the majority of new trucks in China were diesel-powered. However, by the first half of 2025, battery-operated trucks made up 22% of new heavy truck sales, a significant increase from 9.2% in the same period in 2024. British research firm BMI predicts that electric trucks will represent nearly 46% of new sales this year and 60% next year.

The shift towards electric trucks is crucial as heavy trucks play a vital role in modern economies while also contributing significantly to carbon dioxide emissions. Road freight alone accounted for a third of all transport-related carbon emissions in 2019.

Traditionally, the decarbonization of trucking has been challenging due to the limitations of heavy batteries in electric trucks. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been considered as a less polluting alternative while waiting for electric vehicle technology to mature.

China, home to the world’s second-largest trucking fleet after the U.S., is witnessing a shift in its trucking landscape. The demand for transport fuel is stabilizing, and the use of diesel in China is expected to decrease faster than previously projected.

Electric trucks are now outselling LNG models in China, indicating a potential decline in the country’s demand for fossil fuels. The adoption of electric trucks has been driven by falling prices and increased energy efficiency, offering cost savings over the vehicle’s lifespan.

Government incentives and investments in charging infrastructure have further propelled the adoption of electric trucks in China. Major logistics hubs and cities have established charging stations and hubs for heavy-duty trucks along key freight routes.

CATL, the world’s largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, has introduced a battery-swapping system for heavy trucks, further supporting the growth of electric truck sales. The surge in electric truck sales is expected to reduce diesel consumption and reshape future LNG demand.

China’s ambitious plans for emission standards and the growing export of electric trucks to global markets indicate a significant shift towards sustainable heavy transport. With Chinese automakers leading the charge in affordable electric truck manufacturing, the global electric truck market is set for substantial growth.

As the world’s largest exporter of passenger cars, China’s focus on electric trucks marks a crucial step in the global energy transition. The rise of electric trucks in China is reshaping the future of heavy transport and could have far-reaching implications for regional diesel trade flows.