The streets of Bangkok, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City are getting quieter. The growl of Euro-5 diesel prime movers is being replaced by the almost silent operation of Chinese battery-electric heavy trucks as the region’s logistics giants race to cut costs and emissions.
Thailand leads the charge. In 2025, Chinese brands captured 74% of all new electric truck registrations. BYD delivered 680 T8TT electric tractors through partner RÊVER Automotive. SCG Logistics, Thailand’s largest operator, converted 40% of its fleet and reports 62% lower energy costs and payback under three years thanks to BOI incentives and carbon credits.
Indonesia’s Tanjung Priok port now sees more Dongfeng electric terminal tractors than diesel. Pelindo deployed 120 units in 2025. In Vietnam, Gemadept operates 85 FAW J6P 6×4 electric trucks between Cat Lai port and the southern industrial zones.
Malaysia’s Westports ordered 90 SINOTRUK HOWO TX electric tractors in September 2025, citing 55% lower energy costs. In the Philippines, Fast Logistics launched the country’s largest electric truck fleet with 60 Shacman X5000 units serving Manila and Cebu.
Chinese trucks are specifically engineered for Southeast Asian conditions — IP68 batteries, enhanced cooling, reinforced chassis for monsoon-season potholes. Local assembly accelerates adoption: BYD Rayong began truck production in June 2025; SAIC-GM-Wuling breaks ground on a heavy-truck KD plant in Indonesia in 2026.
Frost & Sullivan calculates TCO advantages of 18-28% today, rising to 40% once carbon taxes arrive in 2027-2030. Governments pour fuel on the fire: Thailand offers up to THB 1 million per truck, Indonesia zero import duty until 2027, Vietnam 100% registration fee waiver.
Counterpoint forecasts 38% of ASEAN heavy truck sales will be electric by 2030 — with Chinese manufacturers holding 80%+ share.
