Commencing operations in Norway, I was the first driver assigned to operate the debut of our fleet's first Scania 45 S electric trucks, which we introduced three months ago, marking the start of a four-vehicle deployment.
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China's freight transport sector is experiencing a significant shift, with electric heavy-duty trucks rapidly gaining ground and reshaping the dominance of diesel trucks. In the first half of 2025, electric heavy-duty trucks account for approximately 22-25% of new heavy-duty truck sales, marking a surge of around 175% compared to the previous year [1][2][4].
One of the key players in this electric revolution is the Scania 45S electric truck. This vehicle, equipped with a battery pack of 462kWh, can travel 186 miles or more before needing to charge for the first time when not fully loaded [6]. When fully loaded with 110k lbs, the Scania 45S can still manage around 124-136 miles [7]. Powered by three motors outputting 450kw/610hp continious power and 511kw/695hp peak, the Scania 45S uses a 6-speed automatic gearbox based on the design Scania uses in their hybrid trucks [8].
The Scania 45S, like many electric heavy-duty trucks, shares most of its construction with its diesel and LNG counterparts [9]. However, it can be charged during a mandated 45-minute break period, offering a unique advantage for fleet operators [1].
This shift in the market is driven by several key factors. Government support and subsidies have lowered the upfront costs and risks for fleet operators to invest in electric heavy trucks [1][4]. Electric trucks offer a 10% to 26% lower lifetime cost compared to diesel options, motivating fleet operators to switch for economic reasons [2][3].
Rapid development and deployment of charging networks, including strategies like battery swapping along major freight corridors, have improved operational feasibility [1][3]. Electric heavy trucks are mostly used for short-haul operations in ports, mines, and steel mills where routes are predictable and charging is easier to manage [1].
The decline of LNG trucks has also contributed to the growth of electric trucks. Sales growth for liquefied natural gas (LNG) heavy trucks has slowed and even declined in 2025 as electric models become more cost-competitive and LNG price advantages diminish [2][3].
Energy and environmental policies are another significant factor. The shift supports China’s broader goals to reduce diesel consumption (projected to drop by about 6.3% in 2025) and to reach peak oil demand earlier than expected, accelerating decarbonization of transport [1][4]. Analysts project that battery-electric heavy trucks could capture 50% to 80% of China’s heavy truck market by 2028 [3].
This transition has large implications for diesel fuel demand and greenhouse gas emissions. China's transport sector is projected to reduce its diesel use by 40% by 2030, amounting to a 25% decline in overall diesel consumption compared to 2024 [5].
Moreover, battery electric semi-trucks are getting a warm reception from drivers. Companies like Teld are expanding charging networks along key industrial corridors, making long-distance electric truck travel more feasible [6]. Teld has constructed more than 2,400 truck charging stations and recently launched a 500-mile corridor linking Shanxi and Shandong [6].
As the electric heavy-duty truck market continues to grow, it is clear that this transformation is not only reshaping China's freight transport sector but also electric heavy-duty trucks are reshaping the global freight landscape.
In this changing landscape of China's freight transport sector, the rise of electric lifestyle, with technologies like the Scania 45S electric truck, is increasingly influential. The sports of fleet management are being redefined as operators seek economic advantages offered by electric trucks, with lower lifetime costs compared to diesel options.
