A new turning point in the electric commercial vehicle market
The market for electric commercial vehicles is undergoing a profound transformation. After the consumer segment, it is now the professional world that is beginning its transition to electric vehicles.
This change is not just ecological: it reflects a structural evolution in usage, driven by the digitalisation of deliveries, last-mile logistics and the decarbonisation of services.
And in this field, a new dynamic is taking hold: the massive arrival of Chinese manufacturers, who are shaking up the established codes. Their strategy, combining technological innovation and competitive pricing, could well redefine the standards of the segment in the years to come.
Chinese manufacturers conquer the European market
Chinese brands have already made a name for themselves on the global market for electric cars for the general public. Now they are tackling a more discreet but essential segment: professional electric commercial vehicles.
Players such as BYD, MaxusSeres, DFSK or Aiways are rolling out models in Europe specifically designed for logistics and craft needs.
Their ambition? Offering competitive electric vehicles and immediately available, capable of competing with European benchmarks.
These manufacturers benefit from a structural advantage:
- China controls more than 70 % of global battery production,
- it has local and integrated supply chains,
- and has extensive experience of electrifying domestic fleets (taxis, vans, buses).
Results This means that we can offer high-performance vehicles that are economically competitive and now comply with European standards.
Why the LCV segment is particularly attractive to Chinese players
The European market for electric commercial vehicles remains less saturated than that for passenger cars.
But demand is exploding: the growth of e-commerce and urban logistics is driving companies to look for zero-emission, manoeuvrable and economical vehicles.
Chinese manufacturers have understood this: they are targeting urban and suburban use, where the constraints of the EPZ are greatest.
Their approach is based on three levers:
- A simple and accessible offer streamlined ranges, standardised versions, short lead times.
- Controlled prices A difference of 20 to 30 % compared with equivalent European models.
- A service-oriented strategy long warranties, connected support, local maintenance partnerships.
A recent survey of French tradesmen confirms this trend: almost a quarter of them already own or are planning to acquire an electric commercial vehicle.
Among their criteria for choice, robustness (68 %), price (66 %) and maintenance costs (48 %) come out on top, far ahead of the manufacturer's origin.
Better still, a large proportion say they are open to foreign brands, as long as they guarantee good after-sales service and an attractive pricing policy.
In other words, the professional market is ready to welcome Chinese brands if they meet three requirements: reliability, competitiveness and support.
What this means for business fleets
The emergence of Chinese electric commercial vehicles is not simply a question of competition. It has direct implications for fleet managers, who are faced with increasingly stringent economic and environmental constraints. Between reducing TCO, adapting to new regulations and seeking greater reliability, this new offer opens up real prospects... as long as you understand what's at stake.
Economic and regulatory pressures: the twin drivers of change
Fleet managers are facing increasing pressure on two fronts:
1) Regulatory The EPZs are gradually banning combustion-powered vehicles in major conurbations.
2) Economical The increase in fuel and maintenance costs is taking a heavy toll on the fleet budget, as is environmental taxation.
Faced with these two imperatives, electric commercial vehicles are becoming a strategic tool. And in this context, Chinese brands are coming out on top thanks to their cost/performance ratio.autonomy unbeatable.
At the same time, the French tax system (ecological bonus, TVS exemption, depreciation on 100 %) makes them even more attractive.
Changing purchasing criteria
Priorities have changed.
In the past, the name of the manufacturer or the engine's power would guide the purchase.
Today, the decision is based on measurable performance indicators: overall TCO, including recharging, maintenance and resale.
1) Vehicle availability (lead times, reliability, after-sales service).
2) Technological integration (connectivity, telematics).
3) Respect for environmental constraints.
Chinese manufacturers are scoring points with the first two.
But the key to success lies in the manager's ability to compare technical, economic and logistical data, an approach that Beev facilitates with its simulators and customised audits.
Growing interest from fleet managers
Managers are no longer observers, but experimenters.
Chinese vehicles are appealing because of their attractive price, comprehensive equipment and suitability for urban use.
The issue is no longer whether these brands will become established, but when they will become essential.
The results show :
- A reduction in TCO from 15 to 20 %,
- A real autonomy in line with daily needs,
- And a increased driver satisfaction thanks to the simplicity and comfort of driving.
The advantages and limitations of Chinese electric vans
Like any new technology, electric commercial vehicles from China are arousing both curiosity and caution. Their real performance, reliability and overall running costs are of interest to professionals, but questions remain about durability and residual value. For fleet managers, it is therefore essential to identify the real advantages of these vehicles... and the points to watch out for.
Concrete competitive advantages
Solid arguments:
- Lower purchase price than European equivalents;
- Real range of 250 to 350 km, suitable for urban journeys;
- Modern, connected equipment;
- Low maintenance thanks to native electrical design ;
Rapid availability thanks to flexible production.
These features make Chinese commercial vehicles operational and economical solutions for urban fleets.
Points to watch for managers
However, enthusiasm must be accompanied by caution.
- The after-sales network is still under construction in several regions;
- Residual values lack hindsight;
- Spare parts can sometimes take longer to arrive.
These obstacles do not invalidate the solution, but they do underline the importance of solid support and a strategy of gradual integration.
TCO comparison: Chinese vans vs. European vans
When you compare a European electric van with a Chinese model, the cost differences are real, but they don't tell the whole story.
Asian brands often have a lower purchase price and competitive ranges, while European models have more stable residual values and a better-structured after-sales network.
| Element | European utility | Chinese utility |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price excl. | ≈ 42 000 € | ≈ 31 000 € |
| Annual maintenance | ≈ 600 € | ≈ 500 € |
| Real autonomy | ≈ 280 km | ≈ 320 km |
| Residual value (3 years) | 50 % | 35 % |
| Estimated TCO over 3 years | ≈ 28 000 € | ≈ 24 500 € |
These figures illustrate a trend:
- Chinese models stand out for their accessibility and immediate effectiveness,
- while European models offer greater stability and long-term value.
Choosing the right model therefore depends not on nationality, but on fleet profile and duty cycle.
For a fleet manager, the challenge is to find the right balance between initial cost, reliability and resale, an analysis that Beev carries out on a personalised basis for each customer.
How to evaluate the integration of a Chinese van into your fleet
Taking action doesn't just happen. Before adding a Chinese electric van to your fleet, you need to take a methodical approach: define your needs, test the models, plan recharging and measure profitability. This step-by-step approach means you can secure your investment and maximise the economic and environmental benefits from the very first months of operation.
Stage 1: analysing needs and usage cycles
The aim is to identify vehicles that can be electrified immediately without any loss of productivity.
1) Usage mapping
- Which vehicles are on the road every day?
- Which vehicles are only taken out for repairs or works?
- What is the average distance/day? the maximum distance/day?
- Are there fixed rounds or variable rounds?
2) Typology of assignments
- Urban delivery (short journeys, frequent stops, need for stable autonomy)
- Maintenance / after-sales (unpredictable journeys, sometimes out of town)
- Building and civil engineering (high payload, sometimes traction)
- Inter-site shuttles (repetitive journeys)
3) Business constraints
- Minimum payload
- Minimum useful volume (tool boxes, bins, shelves)
Step 2: Test and compare models
There's no substitute for a test drive: real range, driver comfort, recharging compatibility, reliability.
Beev always recommends comparing several models, both European and Asian, for an objective TCO.
Stage 3: Planning the infrastructure and monitoring
Installing the right charging points, sizing the power, planning recharges and monitoring costs. Beev supports you at every stage with turnkey solutions (audit, financing, supervision).
For the integration of Chinese utilities to be a success, it is necessary to anticipate the recharge issue before the order is placed.
1) Right-sizing recharging
- How many vehicles will be sleeping at the depot?
- How many vehicles do employees drive home?
- Do we need fast charging (daytime rotation) or only slow charging (night-time)?
2) Choosing the right mix of terminals
- AC 7 to 22 kW for most commercial vehicles
- DC only if business is highly cyclical or logistics are tight
- Possibly shared terminals between departments
3) Planning energy management
- Load prioritisation
- Tracking costs per vehicle / per site
- Export for accounting / internal rebilling
Stage 4: measuring ROI and driver satisfaction
Once the vehicles have been integrated, monitoring becomes the key to success.
The return on investment is not measured on delivery, but in the actual use made by drivers.
- Analysis of actual TCO: compare the monthly cost (energy, maintenance, insurance) with the thermal energy replaced.
- Availability monitoring: downtime, recharging incidents, after-sales service times.
- Feedback from the field: driver experience, comfort, perceived range, everyday practicality.
These indicators can be used to adjust the fleet strategy and prepare for wider deployment if the results are positive.
Beev support: a lever for decision-making and performance
Given the complexity of the market, fleet managers are looking for partners capable of guiding them objectively through the transition to electric vehicles.
This is precisely Beev's role: to provide neutral, expert and comprehensive support, covering every stage of the project, from initial analysis to performance monitoring. The aim: to transform electric mobility into a sustainable strategic asset for businesses.
Independent advice to guide your choice of models
Beev acts as an advisor, providing TCO simulations, personalised studies and multi-builder comparisons.
The aim is to make a rational decision, based on data rather than reputation.
Integrated solutions for fleet transition
Beev offers a turnkey approach: flexible financing, installation of charging points, training and energy management.
Dedicated monitoring for fleet managers
Thanks to theFleet Manager toolIn addition to a comprehensive dashboard covering consumption, recharging, costs, maintenance, alerts and energy performance.
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