Chinese and American companies are increasingly eyeing the European electric truck market, aiming to capture up to a quarter of it by 2030, according to the environmental organization Transport & Environment (T&E). These foreign manufacturers are offering models that are up to 12% cheaper over the entire lifespan of the vehicle, potentially threatening European truckmakers who could lose 24 to 31% of the market. In 2025, 5.6% of new heavy trucks sold in Europe were zero-emission, a significant jump from the previous year. This growth is partly due to new European regulations on CO2 emissions, which began in July 2025, as well as the declining cost of batteries used in electric vehicles. The European heavy truck market, which sees around 245,000 new vehicles sold annually, is currently dominated by companies like Daimler Truck, Traton, IVECO, DAF, and Volvo Group. T&E analyzed the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric trucks, which includes all expenses from purchase to resale, such as energy, maintenance, and depreciation. According to the report, a Chinese electric truck has a TCO that is 12% lower than its European counterpart. Over five years, this could save a typical German transporter up to 43,000 euros. T&E's calculations suggest that the TCO of a Chinese truck is 0.55 euros per kilometer, compared to 0.63 euros for a European model. In the trucking industry, where profit margins are slim—ranging from 1.5% to 2%—cost is a primary factor in purchasing decisions. A cost difference of more than 10% can significantly influence a transporter's choice. T&E also found that new entrants from China and the U.S. are on par with European manufacturers in terms of range, charging time, payload capacity, and energy efficiency. However, some industry observers question the long-term resale value of Chinese electric trucks, while T&E has factored in resale value in its analysis. Additionally, European manufacturers have long-standing networks for maintenance and spare parts, which can be a competitive advantage. Chinese and American manufacturers are aiming for a significant share of the European electric truck market by 2030, according to T&E. If European truckmakers delay their transition to electric vehicles, they could lose between 24% and 31% of the market, warns Marie Chéron, interim director of T&E France. She urges the industry to learn from the automotive sector, where Chinese brands have gained market share through competitive pricing and aggressive strategies. Last week, at the IAA Transportation fair in Hanover, seven European truck and bus manufacturers, represented by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), requested to delay compliance with new CO2 emission standards from 2030 to 2033. They argue that the infrastructure for electric trucks—such as charging stations, grid access, and supportive policies—is not yet fully developed. Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck, acknowledged that the necessary investments have been made and that a range of zero-emission vehicles is now available. However, she emphasized that these vehicles will only be profitable on a large scale if the supporting infrastructure catches up with the current delays.