European heavy truck manufacturers may soon face increasing pressure from Chinese and American competitors, according to a report released by the environmental NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) on September 10. The report comes ahead of the IAA Transportation fair in Hanover, Germany, which opens on September 14. It warns that by the end of this decade, up to 25% of the European market for zero-emission heavy trucks could be controlled by foreign companies. This shift is driven in part by a noticeable cost advantage that Chinese trucks offer over their European counterparts. One of the key factors influencing this trend is the difference in usage costs for transporters. According to T&E's analysis of long-distance trucks (category 5-LH) purchased in 2026, choosing a Chinese electric heavy truck over a European model could reduce the total possession cost by 12% over five years. For instance, the average total cost of a European truck is estimated at 363,200 euros, or 0.63 euros per kilometer traveled. In contrast, an equivalent Chinese model costs 320,600 euros, or 0.55 euros per kilometer. This difference of 0.08 euros per kilometer may seem small, but for large fleets covering tens of thousands of kilometers annually, it can add up to significant savings. The IAA Transportation fair in Hanover will highlight the growing competition in the electric truck market. Among the highlights is the first official European debut of the Tesla Semi, as well as the presence of several Chinese manufacturers. Windrose E700, for example, plans to assemble vehicles in France at a price nearly 100,000 euros lower than its European competitors. Other Chinese players, such as SuperPanther with its eTopas 600, BYD, Sany, and Dongfeng, will also be showcasing their models. Meanwhile, European manufacturers like Volvo Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, and Renault Trucks are working to stay competitive by focusing on ultra-fast MCS high-power charging systems and extending the range of their electric trucks beyond 700 kilometers. According to T&E, maintaining Europe’s industrial presence in the electric truck sector will require faster development of charging infrastructure and targeted support for company fleets. These efforts are crucial to closing the competitiveness gap and ensuring that European manufacturers can keep up with the rapid advancements and cost advantages offered by foreign competitors.