News I iCET Successfully Launches Phase III of the “BestECV – Optimal Electric Commercial Vehicles” Project

In recent years, China’s commercial vehicle (CV) electrification has accelerated thanks to the rapid maturity of new energy technologies, diversified policy support, continuous improvement of infrastructure, and breakthroughs in the economic viability of business models. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China produced 4.037 million commercial vehicles and sold 4.031 million in 2023—an increase of 26.8% and 22.1% respectively. Among them, sales of new energy commercial vehicles exceeded 440,000 units, up 11.1% year-on-year.

To better support policymaking and business decisions in the electrification of commercial vehicles, iCET launched the BestECV – Optimal Electric Commercial Vehicles project in July 2020, with support from the Energy Foundation. The project systematically analyzes the development pathways of electric commercial vehicles and has established a comprehensive, user-friendly BestECV™ online evaluation system, including an EV model database, cost–benefit and emissions-reduction analysis tools, scenario-based electrification assessment modules, and customized solutions for specific use cases—strengthening the foundation for CV electrification in China.

During the launch meeting, Ms. Wang Wenwen, Project Manager at iCET and Lead of the BestECV project, presented the achievements from Phases I and II. The project has developed a website and WeChat-based ECV model information platform, established the BestECV Expert Committee and Partner Alliance, conducted scenario-based field studies and case analyses, created an ECV-Truck scenario evaluation framework, and published a series of research reports.