A new entrant from China, SuperPanther, is set to make its mark on the European electric semi-truck market. The startup aims to commence sales of its electric trucks in Europe this year, leveraging a contract manufacturing partnership with Steyr Automotive in Austria.
European Production Kick-off This Summer
Series production of SuperPanther’s electric trucks is scheduled to begin in the summer, with the company targeting the delivery of 100 to 200 vehicles to European customers by the close of 2026. Frank Schulz, SuperPanther’s Europe sales chief, confirmed these plans to Electrive.
SuperPanther, established just four years ago and based in Xiamen, China, already has a significant presence with “several hundred electric trucks” operating in its domestic market. Europe represents its first major export venture.
Focus on Performance Over Price
Addressing potential perceptions of being solely a low-cost supplier, Schulz emphasized that SuperPanther aims to differentiate itself through superior performance and added value, rather than aggressive pricing. “We do not intend to [offer] price breakers—we want to convince with performance, added value and TCO,” he stated.
The company plans to offer comprehensive support to its European clientele. This includes integrated charging solutions, either developed in-house or through strategic partnerships, and a robust repair and maintenance network established in cooperation with Alltrucks, a provider known for its brand-independent service capabilities.
Meet the SuperPanther eTopas 600
The flagship model for the European market is the eTopas 600, built on a dedicated battery-electric vehicle (BEV) platform. This 4×2 tractor unit has an unladen weight of 10.8 tons and a permissible gross vehicle weight of 42 tons, positioning it for heavy-duty logistics operations.
Advanced Battery and Powertrain Technology
The eTopas 600 features battery technology sourced from CATL, sharing similarities with the systems used in Daimler Trucks’ eActros 600. The LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery packs provide a substantial gross capacity of 621 kWh, projected to deliver a real-world range of approximately 500 kilometers on a single charge.
Operating on an 876-volt architecture, the truck’s twin-engine configuration delivers 394 kW of continuous power and can surge to 692 kW at its peak. This setup is designed to provide ample power for demanding hauling tasks.
Charging Capabilities
Equipped with dual CCS-2 charging ports, the SuperPanther truck is engineered for rapid charging at compatible high-power charging stations. Additionally, it is slated to feature a Megawatt Charging System (MCS) port, anticipating future advancements in ultra-fast charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles.
European-Sourced Components and In-House Development
Steyr Automotive will undertake the assembly process using pre-assembled modules. While core components will originate from China, the production will integrate parts from established European suppliers such as ZF, Schaeffler, and Continental, alongside Aumovio. SuperPanther is independently developing its e-axles, thermal management systems, and the vehicle’s software layer. The company also intends to offer these proprietary technological solutions to other manufacturers.
Key Partnerships and Future Prospects
Logistics giant DHL has been identified as a key potential early customer, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SuperPanther back in 2024. This early engagement signals significant interest from major players in the logistics sector for SuperPanther’s electric truck offerings.