Sinotruk is preparing to expand its commercial vehicle line-up in the Philippines with battery-electric trucks and other new-energy models, following the sustainability roadmap of its parent company, Shandong Heavy Industry Group (SDHI).

The move follows SDHI's "Technology Empowers, Equipment Enriches" Global Partners Conference and Green & Smart Exhibition in Hanoi, Vietnam, where 13 SDHI brands presented 145 machines covering new-energy commercial and industrial equipment. The products displayed included electric trucks, battery-powered construction equipment and an electric wrecker.

Sinotruk displayed 13 battery-electric trucks at the exhibition. Three models have been earmarked for introduction in the Philippines: the T3SE Dual-Purpose EV, T3ME 140 kWh Wrecker and V3X 4x2 Electric Dump. During product presentations and briefings, Sinotruk executives discussed vehicle uptime, operating costs and parts availability as considerations for commercial fleets transitioning to lower-emission technologies.

Three electric models coming to the Philippines

T3SE Dual-Purpose EV

The T3SE combines the functions of a van and a light truck. It uses a 64 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery connected to an integrated electric axle, providing a range of approximately 200 km. The battery can be charged from 20%-80% in around 36 minutes using a 65 kW DC charger. The cabin features ventilation, USB ports and padded seats, while the rear wall can be removed to accommodate a cargo box, allowing the vehicle to be configured for passenger or cargo applications.

T3ME 140 kWh Wrecker

The T3ME is an electric recovery vehicle equipped with a liquid-cooled 140 kWh battery. It supports two 2C fast-charging guns, allowing the battery to be charged from 20%-80% in approximately 20 minutes. It has a six-ton electric axle and a range of up to 300 km. Its 70/140 kW motor provides torque for recovery operations, while other features include air seats with cloud-sensing technology.

V3X 4x2 Electric Dump

The V3X is an electric dump truck designed for construction and roadwork applications. It uses a permanent-magnet electric motor with a peak output of 185 kW and direct drive. The vehicle is equipped with liquid-cooled batteries, a spline PTO for hydraulic equipment and automatic slack adjusters for the braking system.

The three models are intended for applications including light- and medium-duty logistics. Their ranges of less than 300 km are suited to predictable duty cycles where fleet operators can install charging facilities at depots. Their standard chassis configurations also allow local body builders to install applications such as refrigerated bodies, flatbeds and tippers. The T3SE is designed for passenger and cargo applications, the T3ME for recovery operations and the V3X for construction and roadwork applications where lower noise levels may be required.

Operating costs and powertrain strategy

Operating costs were also discussed during Sinotruk's presentation. One calculation comparing a battery-electric T3SE with a diesel truck on a Manila courier route indicated that the electric truck could reach a comparable peso-per-kilometre operating cost in less than four years, taking electricity costs and fast-charging time into account.

Sinotruk stated that different powertrains are intended for different applications. Battery-electric vehicles are intended for predictable urban routes, while range-extender technology can be used for operations where charging infrastructure is limited. Hybrids can serve areas with restricted grid capacity, while hydrogen fuel-cell and hydrogen-engine technologies are being considered for longer routes where hydrogen supply is available.

Local logistics companies and contractors are expected to evaluate demonstration units before the end of the year. Orders for the three electric models are open, while Sinotruk is also considering additional electric commercial vehicles, including long-haul tractors, range-extended vans and larger battery-electric tippers. Local body builders will be able to configure the vehicles for specific applications.

After-sales and service support

Sinotruk is developing high-voltage workshop facilities, mobile diagnostic vehicles and over-the-air software updates for electric commercial vehicles. Predictive monitoring systems can identify potential brake issues, while thermal management systems are designed to help batteries operate in hot conditions. Driver-assistance cameras can also be calibrated for local road conditions.

Sinotruk's global support network includes more than 1,000 service and parts locations. The company said there is 46% parts commonality between its electric and diesel vehicle lines, which could allow operators of existing HOWO vehicles to maintain parts compatibility across their fleets.

In the Philippines, Sinotruk has maintained a presence since establishing operations in 2011. The brand's HOWO range includes dump trucks, tractor heads, concrete mixers and cargo trucks. It has also been among the leading brands in the local heavy-duty segment.

Its existing commercial vehicle range also includes the GS7, V7X, NX, TX and Max, serving haulage, construction and logistics applications. The company is placing greater emphasis on light commercial vehicles, with electric models forming part of this expansion.

To support its existing fleet, Sinotruk operates a local support network based on its "Three-One" service policy. Under this framework, customer enquiries receive an initial response within one hour, problems are diagnosed within one day and standard fault repairs are completed within one week.

The after-sales network is supported by 70 dealerships nationwide, comprising 38 in Luzon, 20 in the Visayas and 12 in Mindanao. Sinotruk also conducts technical training programmes for transport operators to support vehicle maintenance and reduce downtime.

Sinotruk's global and Philippine expansion

Sinotruk traces its origins to 1930, when it began as a 30-person repair shop. It later produced China's first heavy-duty truck in 1960 and established technical partnerships with European companies including Steyr, Volvo and MAN. The manufacturer now exports more than 150,000 units annually to 150 countries.

Its manufacturing operations include an automated tractor assembly plant using 220 precision robots and 170 automated guided vehicles, with the facility capable of producing a completed truck every five minutes.

The Hanoi exhibition presented SDHI's range of new-energy commercial vehicles, from urban delivery trucks to heavy-duty models, as part of the group's expansion into new-energy equipment and industrial capabilities.

Sinotruk's planned expansion into electric commercial vehicles follows the adoption of new-energy technologies across its global markets. The company plans to offer lower-emission vehicle options for the Philippine logistics and transport sector while maintaining operating costs, vehicle uptime and after-sales support.

The strategy combines fleet-management technology with lower-emission powertrains while developing the service, charging and parts infrastructure required to support electric commercial vehicles. The commercial viability of the electric vehicles will depend on their ability to reduce emissions without disrupting fleet operations while maintaining operating costs, vehicle uptime and after-sales support.