China’s Electric Heavy Truck Market Set to Surge by 2028, Says CATL Chief

China’s heavy truck sector could see electric vehicle (EV) sales rise to 50% by 2028, a sharp increase from just 10% in 2024, according to Zeng Yuqun, chairman of CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited). Zeng made the projection during a heavy-truck battery-swapping launch, as reported by government-affiliated media outlet Jiemian.

The expected surge in electric heavy trucks signals a growing threat to traditional fuel demand in China’s trucking industry. This shift follows the rapid adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks, indicating a broader trend toward cleaner energy solutions in commercial transportation.

To support this transition, CATL recently began production at its new 60 GWh energy storage and EV battery manufacturing plant in Shandong, marking its first facility in northern China. The battery giant also plans two additional phases over the next two years to create a massive battery production hub in the region. According to a post on CATL’s official WeChat account, this cluster will contribute billions of yuan to the regional economy.

Shandong province has set an ambitious goal of building a 100 billion yuan ($14 billion) lithium battery industry by the end of this year. The plan encompasses the full supply chain—from electrode materials and electrolytes to battery cells and final assembly. The move highlights China’s accelerating commitment to becoming a global leader in green transportation and battery technology.

As China expands its battery production capacity and EV infrastructure, CATL’s forecasts reinforce the country's role as a key driver in the global transition toward zero-emission commercial vehicles.