2026 World Motor Show: Chinese Foton launches its push into electric vans and trucks in France
As China’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles, Foton is using the Paris Motor Show to announce its entry into the French market. The lineup includes four electric models, ranging from vans to 18-ton trucks, with sales set to begin in the first quarter of 2027 under Otokar Europe’s umbrella.
The Chinese automakers’ push in Europe isn’t limited to passenger cars. While Chery is entering the commercial vehicle sector with its electric Delivan van and BYD is expanding its offerings in the heavy truck segment, Foton is leveraging the Paris Motor Show to launch its campaign in France.
A Chinese giant in commercial vehicles
Though little known to the general public in France, Foton is by no means a minor player. A subsidiary of the BAIC group founded in Beijing in 1996, the brand has been the top seller of commercial vehicles in China for 21 years and claims to have delivered 13 million vehicles worldwide. It also holds the title of China’s leading exporter of commercial vehicles for 15 years, with 149,000 vehicles exported between January and August 2026, representing a 44.3% year-on-year increase.
Already present in nearly twenty European markets, including Italy, Spain, and Germany, the brand is now entering France with a fully electric lineup. Two models are on display at its stand at the Mondial: the Cavan C1 van and the e-Aumark pickup truck.
Why France now? Present in Europe for about five years, Foton has chosen to move forward step by step, country by country, by relying on local partners. “We started with Italy, Spain, and Germany. Now, we think we’re ready for the French market,” explains Shuang Wu, senior manager at Foton Europe. Along with Germany, France is one of the two largest European markets for commercial vehicles, and national policies supporting zero-emission vehicles are favorable to the brand. “Our products fit the market and come at the right time,” she assures.
The company’s presence in Europe remains modest: Foton has sold approximately 10,000 vehicles there in total. This is a drop in the ocean compared to the group’s overall output, which was around 650,000 vehicles last year, including over 100,000 electric vehicles, according to Denis Toublanc, director of marketing and customer service at Otokar Europe.
Cavan C1: An Electric Van by Design
The Cavan C1 comes from Cavan, the brand dedicated to new-energy commercial vehicles created by Foton in 2024 in partnership with Bosch, SinoHytec, and BAIC Capital. In France, it will be sold under the name Foton Cavan as part of the Foton lineup. Built on a 100% electric platform, it is available in three versions: the C1 at 4.89 meters (6.6 m³, 1,005 kg payload), and the C1 Plus and C1 Max at 5.19 meters (7.4 and 8.4 m³, 1,200 kg payload). Currently, only the van body style is available, without a cab chassis.
In all cases, the technical foundation remains the same. It features a 50.23 kWh LFP battery supplied by CATL, or an optional 66.67 kWh battery on the Plus and Max versions. Range varies from 240 to 320 km WLTP depending on the version. At DC charging via CCS2, it takes 35 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. For AC charging, the small battery requires 3 hours while the large battery takes 4 hours. The engine delivers a peak power of 125 kW, achieving a top speed of 120 km/h.
The Cavan C1 also comes equipped with a V2L function for powering tools, standard 2+ level driver assistance systems, and an 8-year or 500,000 km battery warranty.
In this segment, the Cavan C1 targets established competitors. With a length of 4.89 meters in its shorter version, it has dimensions similar to the new Renault Trafic E-Tech (4.87 meters), which is expected to launch between late 2026 and early 2027 with a WLTP range of 350 to 450 kilometers depending on the battery. The Ford E-Transit Custom, the European leader in this category, claims a range of up to 337 kilometers with its 74 kWh battery, along with a volume of 5.8 to 9 cubic meters and a payload capacity of up to 1,100 kilograms. Compared to its rivals, this Chinese van focuses on volume and payload capacity but lags behind in range and charging speed, especially when facing the new Trafic that now uses an 800-volt platform.
To stand out, Otokar Europe relies on price—though it remains undisclosed—as well as Foton’s experience in electric vehicles.
Cavan C1
Cavan C1 Plus
Cavan C1 Max
Length
4.89 m
5.19 m
5.19 m
Height
1.96 m
1.96 m
2.16 m
Useful volume
6.6 m³
7.4 m³
8.4 m³
Useful length
2.80 m
3.10 m
3.10 m
GVWR
2.9 t
3.2 t
3.2 t
Cargo capacity
1,005 kg
1,200 kg
1,200 kg
Battery (CATL LFP)
50.23 kWh
50.23 or 66.67 kWh
50.23 or 66.67 kWh
WLTP range
260 km
250 / 320 km
240 / 310 km
DC charging (20-80%)
35 min
35 min
35 min
AC charging (20-80%)
3 h
3 / 4 h
3 / 4 h
Power (nominal / max)
55 / 125 kW
55 / 125 kW
55 / 125 kW
Turning radius
11.5 m
12.6 m
12.6 m
Heavy-duty range: from regional distribution to 18 tonnes
In the heavy-duty segment, the manufacturer is showcasing the Foton e-Aumark at the world exhibition. Targeting urban and regional distribution, this 7.5-ton vehicle is available in three wheelbase lengths, with a payload of around 4,400 kg and a cargo area that can hold up to ten euro pallets.
Its 100.46 kWh LFP battery provides 180 km of WLTP range. It can accept up to 100 kW of direct current, allowing it to go from 20% to 100% charge in one hour, and 22 kW of alternating current, meaning approximately five hours of charging at a depot. The motor, integrated into an electric axle, delivers 150 kW peak power. Otokar Europe expects to see initial sales in this medium-tonnage segment.
The French lineup also includes two other models. Equipped with a small battery of 63.75 kWh, the Foton e-Miler has a GVWR of 4.25 tonnes, a range of 170 km, and a payload capacity of 2,340 kg.
Much larger in size, the Foton e-Auman is available in 16-tonne (247 kWh, 240 km) and 18-tonne (282 kWh, 260 km) versions. The 18-tonne model boasts a payload capacity of over 11 tonnes. It competes with Renault Trucks, the leader in electric trucks in France, which now offers a complete range from 12 to 26 tonnes. Its 16-tonne E-Tech D model can accommodate batteries up to 400 kWh, significantly more than that of the Chinese vehicle.
The goal is to launch all four models simultaneously, although the van might follow a different schedule. However, there is no tractor in the plans, despite Foton producing them. It is not currently part of the lineup sold in France. In a market that falls outside Automobile Propre’s focus, diesel Foton trucks ranging from 8.5 to 15 tons will also be available in France. The importer presents this lineup as a complement to the electric models, which are expected to account for most of the sales volume.
Foton Electric Heavy-Duty Truck Lineup: Key Features
e-Miler
e-Aumark
e-Auman 16 t
e-Auman 18 t
PTAC
4.25 t
7.5 t
16 t
18 t
Cargo Capacity
2,340 kg
4,370 to 4,475 kg
9,800 kg
11,080 kg
Battery (CATL LFP)
63.75 kWh
100.46 kWh
247 kWh
282 kWh
Max power
100 kW
150 kW
160 kW
380 kW
WLTP range
170 km
180 km
240 km
260 km
DC/AC charging
N/A
100 kW / 22 kW
N/A
N/A
Otokar Europe handles distribution in France
Having a product range is good, but knowing how to distribute and maintain it is even better! For its entry into the French market, Foton relies on Otokar Europe. Based in Roissy-en-France, this subsidiary of the Turkish manufacturer Otokar, part of the Koç Group, is already well-known among French operators for its buses and coaches. The two groups have been working together since 2013: Otokar first assembled Foton diesel trucks for the Turkish market, before assisting the brand with vehicle certification for Europe and distributing its products in other countries such as Romania and Spain.
In terms of distribution in France, the brand is still in its early stages. “We have experience with buses and coaches, but not with heavy trucks,” admits Denis Toublanc. Otokar Europe plans to rely on distributors of industrial vehicles, some of whom already serve as service points for its coaches. Any agreements signed? “No, not yet, but we are in discussions,” replies the Otokar Europe representative. While these partnerships are clearly part of their business plan, our interlocutor declined to share specific targets, whether regarding the number of distributors or expected sales volumes by 2027.
The strategy, however, is clear: to focus first on seven regions that account for nearly 70% of the market, starting with their major cities.
Finally, the European production mentioned for 2028 might occur earlier. “We are actively seeking manufacturing sites in Europe,” says Shuang Wu, without giving a specific date. In the long term, the goal is to produce the entire range there, likely at multiple sites given the diversity of vehicles, from pickups to heavy trucks.
Prices Still Unknown
The crucial question for professionals remains: what will be the prices of this Foton electric range? So far, no prices have been announced for France, but our contact informs us that they should be released soon. “The goal is to start sales in the first quarter of 2027,” clarifies Denis Toublanc. Stay tuned!