China's heavy-duty electric truck sector (primarily Class 8 equivalents for long-haul, regional haul, dump, mixer, and tractor applications) is experiencing explosive growth in 2025-2026, far outpacing other global markets. Battery-electric heavy trucks captured 22% of new heavy-duty sales in the first half of 2025 (up from ~9% in H1 2024), rising to 28% by August 2025. Forecasts indicate nearly 46% penetration in 2025 overall and around 60% in 2026, driven by falling costs, battery-swapping infrastructure (now ~40% of deployments), government incentives, and standardized swappable packs like CATL's "75#" module (compatible with dozens of models).

While few entirely "new" flagship models were announced in late 2025/early 2026 beyond ongoing expansions, the market features rapid iterations, new variants, and aggressive scaling from major players. Key developments and models include:

• Sany Heavy Industry (top seller in electric heavy trucks): Continues dominating with battery-swapping and plug-in models for construction, logistics, and haul. Sany plans to export its electric trucks to Europe starting in 2026, having already shipped to the US, Thailand, India, UAE, and others. No brand-new model announcements in recent months, but production ramps and autonomous integrations (e.g., with Pony.ai for Gen-4 trucks mass production in 2026) support growth.

• BYD: Expanded lineup includes electric tractors, dump trucks, and mixers for long-haul and urban construction. Showcased models at the 2025 China Commercial Vehicles Show (e.g., Q3 electric tractor). BYD broke ground on an electric truck/bus factory in Hungary in 2025 to support European exports and meet carbon targets.

• Foton (BAIC Foton): Active in heavy-duty EVs, including refrigerated variants like the OLLIN iBlue El-Plus for cold-chain. New cyber-style Cavan Beacon (joint with Bosch Ventures/Boyuan Capital) launched late Q1 2026 expectations—features streamlined cabin, camera mirrors, dual motors (up to 350 kW), ~500 km range, and 6x4/4x4 configs for heavy haul.

• Other major players (Dongfeng, Sinotruk, FAW, XCMG, Zoomlion, Shacman): Rapidly shifting to new energy powertrains. Sinotruk and FAW report strong NEV sales growth (>200% YoY in some periods). Dongfeng launched G-Series high-end heavy-duty brand (including electric variants) at 2026 summits. New models often focus on battery-swapping compatibility, high-power motors, and vocational uses.

• Windrose Technology (Chinese startup): Launched R700 Class 8 electric semi in the US (2025), with >418-mile range (700+ kWh battery), low drag (0.2755 Cd), and plans for Georgia assembly plant to avoid tariffs. Aiming for 2025-2026 deliveries; positioned as Tesla Semi rival.

• Broader trends: Battery swapping accelerates adoption (CATL targets 300 stations by end-2025, expanding nationwide). High-power charging demos (e.g., 1.39 MW triple-gun setups) emerge. Exports surge, with Chinese firms enabling global decarbonization where local supply lags.

The sector prioritizes short/medium-haul and vocational applications due to infrastructure advantages, though long-haul improves with swapping and megawatt charging. Challenges remain (e.g., grid strain, standardization), but momentum positions China to lead globally, with projections of 50-80% electrification by 2028.

For visuals of recent Chinese heavy-duty EVs (e.g., Sany swapping models, BYD tractors, Foton/Cavan designs, and high-power charging demos):

These examples highlight the practical, high-volume designs dominating China's market. The shift is reshaping global diesel/LNG demand and pressuring Western OEMs to accelerate