Why Are Smaller Battery Electric Trucks Losing Appeal?
In Shanxi Province, where Mr. Chang operates, many electric trucks are used for short-distance transportation and fixed-route operations. Most vehicles run within several hundred kilometers around the region.
From a technical perspective, a 300 kWh electric truck can still complete many daily tasks.
However, the biggest concern is charging frequency.
"For transportation businesses, keeping the truck running is more important than the theoretical driving range," Mr. Chang explained.
A smaller battery often means additional charging stops. Each charging session includes not only the time spent connecting the vehicle, but also waiting, scheduling, and possible downtime. For drivers and fleet owners, extra charging time can directly affect daily income.
A truck that needs one more charging stop may lose one delivery trip - and that can make a significant difference in operating profit.
Used Buyers Care More About Operating Efficiency
When buying a used vehicle, many people usually focus on mileage, vehicle age, and purchase price. But in the used electric heavy truck market, battery capacity and price have become the two major considerations.
Battery capacity is no longer just a technical specification. It represents how efficiently the next owner can operate the truck.
A cheaper truck may look attractive, but if it requires more frequent charging every day, the owner may lose more revenue over time. For individual drivers and small fleets, long-term operating efficiency is often more important than saving a few thousand dollars upfront.
"As battery capacity increases, residual value usually becomes stronger," Mr. Chang said. "Electric trucks with only around 200 kWh batteries are already difficult to sell."
New Truck Sales Do Not Always Mean Strong Resale Value
This highlights an important difference between the new energy vehicle market and the used market.
When purchasing a new electric truck, buyers may consider factors such as purchase cost, subsidies, route conditions, and charging availability. However, used truck buyers focus more on immediate operating returns.
A model that is "good enough" when new may lose competitiveness after entering the used market if its battery capacity limits future applications.
The 400 kWh threshold mentioned by Mr. Chang is not a universal rule. In areas with shorter routes and dedicated charging facilities, smaller battery trucks can still have demand.
However, for longer routes, higher daily workloads, or uncertain charging conditions, higher battery capacity provides more flexibility and stronger resale potential.
Battery Capacity Is Only One Part of Resale Value
A larger battery does not automatically guarantee a higher price.
Used truck dealers also evaluate accident history, mileage, brand reputation, market share, and after-sales support.
Popular brands with reliable spare parts and service networks are easier to resell. On the other hand, discontinued models or brands with limited market presence may face price pressure, even with larger batteries.
Currently, many used electric trucks are still relatively young, and many vehicles remain within battery warranty periods. Therefore, dealers often pay more attention to mileage, usage conditions, and vehicle history.
The Used Market Is Redefining Electric Truck Value
The growing importance of battery capacity shows that the used market is starting to influence new electric truck development.
In the past, manufacturers mainly focused on purchase price, subsidies, and driving range when promoting electric trucks. Today, future resale value is becoming another key factor for buyers.
When choosing an electric truck, users are not only asking:
How much can this truck save today?
How far can it drive?
They are also asking:
Will this truck still have buyers in the future?
Can it continue generating income for the next owner?
As Mr. Chang summarized:
"Higher battery capacity usually means stronger residual value."
In the electric commercial vehicle market, the competition is no longer only about lower prices. It is about which truck can help operators complete more trips, reduce downtime, and create more value throughout its lifecycle.
