SuperPanther teams up with ELMI Power to expand in Europe
Both parties have announced their first joint pilot projects in Europe for 2026. SuperPanther plans to initially integrate ELMI Power’s charging systems into its battery-electric truck ecosystem before offering depot solutions and scalable concepts for logistics sites through ELMI Power. The truck chargers are battery-buffered, meaning they can gradually draw power from the grid via an integrated storage system and then deliver it rapidly to electric trucks.
“This approach unlocks locations that previously could not support high-power charging – making depot electrification and corridor charging economically viable for logistics operators, retailers, transport hubs and fleet operators,” SuperPanther emphasises. ELMI Power’s technology is specifically designed to enable charging capacities of 340 to 600 kW with low grid connection values starting from 20 to 70 kW.
Chao Liu, CEO and founder of SuperPanther, stated: “SuperPanther drives the adoption of new-energy heavy duty trucks in Europe through our fully self-developed technology. This collaboration will allow us to offer tailor-made charging solutions to our customers and it will further accelerate grid integration and the mobility transition.”
James Xu, CEO and founder of ELMI Power, added: “This partnership is a milestone for ELMI Power — and for the future of commercial EV charging in Europe. By combining SuperPanther’s vehicle innovation with our battery-supported charging ecosystem, we are addressing one of Europe’s biggest bottlenecks: grid limitations.” ELMI Power is a German-Chinese company founded in 2023 and based in Niddatal. Its portfolio includes the fast chargers AiO 180 and 360, as well as the ELMI Hub 400 and ELMI Hub 600.
SuperPanther Maintains Close Ties with Steyr
What about SuperPanther? The Chinese e-truck manufacturer publicised its ambitions for expansion into Europe this summer: in July, it commissioned Steyr Automotive to industrially produce electric trucks for the European market. At last year’s IAA Transportation, the Chinese-Austrian partnership attracted significant attention when they unveiled the eTopas 600 electric tractor unit for the European market. The duo plans to start series production in late 2025 at Steyr Automotive’s site, which aligns well with the timeline for the collaboration with ELMI Power, set to begin in 2026.
Steyr Automotive’s role in SuperPanther’s expansion into Europe extends beyond that of a mere contract manufacturer. The two companies are also collaborating on the development of electric trucks, likely focusing on the adaptation of Chinese models to the European market. The first result of this collaboration is the aforementioned eTopas 600, which is specifically tailored for the European market.
Initial technical specifications have already been confirmed: the model will feature LFP batteries with an energy capacity of 621 kWh, enabling a range of 500 kilometres. Coincidentally or not, these figures match those of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 exactly. Furthermore, the eTopas 600 is based on an 876-volt architecture and offers 394 kW of continuous power and 692 kW of peak power in its dual-motor configuration. The DC charging capacity is rated at 2x 330 kW, meaning two CCS charging ports are installed to enable parallel charging. SuperPanther states that the charging time from 20 to 80 per cent battery capacity is under 38 minutes.
At the IAA Transportation trade fair, the exhibition model featured a centrally placed logo of Steyr Automotive at the front. The SuperPanther logo was also visible but positioned less prominently. Manfred Eibeck, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Steyr Automotive, emphasised at the event that his team is “not just a technology integrator in this strategic collaboration with SuperPanther, but a co-creator of a shared vision.” This vision also includes additional models: the partners announced the launch of an entire truck family under the name eEmerald, comprising three units with varying powertrains, ranges, and cabin configurations. The duo did not provide further details at this stage. However, given the ‘e’ prefix in the name, these trucks are likely to be at least partially electrified. This aligns with SuperPanther’s reputation in China for developing electric trucks.
Target of 16,000 electric trucks in Europe by 2030
SuperPanther is based in Yangzhou, in China’s Jiangsu province, and describes itself as a pioneer in NEV (New Energy Vehicle) technologies – a term commonly used in China to encompass BEVs, FCEVs, and PHEVs. The company aims to collaborate with global partners “to drive innovation and the deployment of electric heavy-duty vehicles,” as stated in September. The partnership with Steyr Automotive marks SuperPanther’s first collaboration in vehicle manufacturing in Europe. The duo has already identified a potential customer: DHL, with whom they signed a letter of intent during the trade fair.
According to its European corporate website, SuperPanther’s business is built on its own e-truck technology, an ecosystem, and green energy solutions. By 2030, the company has set an ambitious target of having 16,000 battery-electric trucks with its own powertrains on Europe’s roads. The SuperPanthers’ Chinese website also highlights a particular focus on lightweight construction technologies and battery-swapping concepts.
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
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