An up and coming player in the global alternative power commercial truck market and a longtime familiar manufacturing powerhouse have officially signed a joint agreement.
SuperPanther, a Chinese company, and Austrian contract vehicle manufacturer Steyr Automotive signed the deal last month which will see the two companies bring a new generation of high-performance, battery-powered commercial semis to the European market.
Neither company confirmed which SuperPanther semi Steyr will build but it's fair to assume it'll be the the pure battery-electric eTopas 600.
[Related: SuperPanther's eTopas 600 is the high-tech EV semi you've never heard of]
The eTopas 600 is designed and engineered for the European market (for now) and comes equipped with high-efficiency LFP batteries and a driving range of 310 miles (500 kilometers). Its 876V high-voltage platform and integrated thermal management system boasting intelligent energy management are two additional features that promise high performance, energy efficiency, long range, durability, and digital scalability.
"Steyr Automotive highly values its strategic partnership with SuperPanther," said Manfred Eibeck, deputy chairman of the supervisory board. "We will combine Steyr's experience in vehicle manufacturing and its modern production capabilities with SuperPanther's cutting-edge expertise in the development of electric drive systems."
SuperPanther
SuperPanther also confirmed the launch of its 2025-2030 "Dual-Track Enabler" global strategy upgrade which, as its name clearly suggests, is a two-stage growth plan.
The first part focuses on integrating vehicle exports, service ecosystems, and operational capabilities while the second aims to drive deeper software and hardware collaborations with global OEMs, enabling the creation of an open, efficient, and sustainable global ecosystem, according to the press release.
In addition to vehicle platforms, SuperPanther has full-stack in-house R&D capabilities spanning the entire chain, including battery, electric drive, and electronic control, as well as chassis architecture.
Not all of SuperPanther's production will be handled by Steyr; it already has electric axle production happening in China. Its "skateboard chassis," first shown to the world at IAA in Hannover last September, has its own dedicated production plant in Yulin, Shaanxi, China.
SuperPanther is also keenly aware of the need to diversify its growing expertise. Its growth plan further includes investments in localized overseas Europe-based teams with a great emphasis on Germany. Dr. Michael Ruf, former Global President of Continental Group’s Commercial Vehicle Division and former Global CEO of KraussMaffei Group, heads the European business.
The expansion plan includes vehicle deployment in key European, Middle Eastern, and Asia-Pacific markets by 2030. The company's Hong Kong Digital Innovation Center, for example, is already up and running.
"The next five years will be a decisive window for the global electrification of commercial vehicles,"said SuperPanther Chairmand and CEO Chao Liu. "SuperPanther aims not only to be a trailblazer in exporting electric heavy-duty trucks, but also to become a driving force in the global new energy commercial vehicle industry. Through collaborative innovation across our vehicle brand, technology platforms, and ecosystem partners, we will accelerate the transition to a greener, smarter, and more efficient era of mobility."
