According to Transport Topics, ZF Friedrichshafen AG CEO Mathias Miedreich stated on September 9, 2026 that China has become the ‘center of gravity’ for electric-truck technology, with electric trucks already commanding 30% market share there — a figure ZF expects to rise toward 50%.
China’s rapid adoption outpaces Europe
Miedreich contrasted China’s progress with Europe’s slower transition, noting that electric trucks in Europe remain in the low single digits — a stark gap that increases competitive pressure on Western manufacturers. He emphasized that Chinese truckmakers, including BYD Co.’s and Geely’s truck divisions as well as startups like Windrose Technology, are not only dominating domestically but also expanding exports — particularly into northern Europe.
ZF’s commercial-vehicle business head Andreas Moser confirmed that two of China’s three largest truck makers will present vehicles equipped with ZF electric powertrains at next week’s IAA Transportation show in Hanover — underscoring the centrality of Chinese OEMs in global electrification momentum.
This acceleration is reshaping ZF’s strategic allocation: while doubling down on China’s electric-truck boom, the company is simultaneously backing hybrid drive technology in Europe to hedge against uncertainty about the pace of zero-emission vehicle adoption.
Financial impact and restructuring
ZF’s earlier bet on electric passenger-car drives incurred heavy losses due to a slower-than-expected market ramp-up, prompting early termination of several programs and a charge of 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion) last year. The division is now undergoing restructuring expected to eliminate thousands of jobs.
The CEO noted that partnering with Chinese manufacturers as they expand overseas offers ZF dual benefits: access to growing export markets and lower component production costs in Germany — generating cash to support its European operations.
“Is the center of gravity for electric-drive technology in China? The answer is clearly yes,” said Mathias Miedreich, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen. “That’s where the action is and where the technology is being developed.”
Source: Transport Topics
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
