Top electric trucks at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show

The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show was buzzing with innovation, and while Euro VI compliance dominated discussions, a new wave of zero-emission trucks stole the spotlight.

While electric technology has made solid inroads in the light commercial segment, this year’s show signalled a clear push into the heavy-duty sector.

Here are some standout electric trucks that caught our attention at BTS ’25.

Having already been deployed in 13 countries around the world, Hyundai’s XCIENT fuel cell vehicle finally made its Australian debut at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) claims the XCIENT is the world’s first mass-produced, heavy-duty truck powered by hydrogen.

Equipped with a 350kW electric motor, the XCIENT boasts a range of approximately 400km and can be refuelled in under 20 minutes, HMCA claims.

Not only is it clean but it’s also really smart, HMCA said, as it features Hyundai’s latest SmartSense safety suite that includes forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning and hill start assist.

While not yet commercially available in Australia, HMCA is currently evaluating the truck’s suitability through local trials.

A newcomer from China, Windrose made one of the boldest statements at BTS ’25 with its futuristic long-range electric truck.

With a massive 705-kilowatt-hour battery and an impressive 670km range, Windrose claims its truck can charge to 80 per cent in under 40 minutes.

The design is equally daring — a central driver’s seat, wraparound digital displays, and a streamlined, cab-forward exterior with standout aerodynamics. A large rear passenger seat doubles as a sleeper, complete with premium audio and connectivity.

Following trials in the US, Europe, and China, Windrose is now undergoing testing in Australia and is aiming for a local launch in 2026.

DAF unveiled its XB Electric model in Australia for the first time, offering a viable solution for regional and urban distribution with a 350km range. It is available in 12-tonne, 16-tonne and 19-tonne formats and with a wheelbase of up to 6900mm.

Equipped with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and an electric motor producing 120kW or 190kW (depending on spec), the XB Electric produces up to 1850Nm of torque.

Based on DAF’s popular XB diesel, the electric variant includes the same ergonomic cab, premium interior, and robust safety features.

Perhaps a key feature of the new DAF XB Electric is the ‘Combined Charging System’, which allows the truck to be charged through the regular electricity network. Rapid charging the batteries (650V DC, 150kW) from 20 per cent to 80 per cent takes 40 to 70 minutes, depending on the specification, DAF said.

The unit displayed at the show was an overseas spec, with local testing now underway.

Hino is another brand that’s fully committed to sustainable solutions, showcasing its hybrid trucks prominently at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

While the hybrids took centre stage, the Hino Dutro Z EV sat in a quiet corner, albeit still garnering plenty of attention.

Modelled on Hino’s Dutro (known as the 300 series in Australia), the Dutro Z EV is a short-haul truck specifically designed for last-mile deliveries, and is Hino’s first full-scale EV.

It’s a walk-through van-style EV with an ultra-low floor and features a compact 50kW electric motor mounted under the cab that drives the front wheels.

“A lithium-ion battery is smartly packaged and mounted under the floor of the cargo area in between the chassis rails, while the electronic control units and other ancillary equipment are located under the cab,” said Hino Australia Manager of Product Strategy, Daniel Petrovski. 

“The walk-through structure of the van and its targeted cruising range of over 100km is particularly suited to the multi-stop delivery characteristics of the last-mile delivery challenge.

Hino Australia CEO, Richard Emery, said the Dutro Z EV’s showcase at BTS ’25 was not a launch nor a model introduction.

“In the coming year, the Z-EV will undergo real-world trials to interrogate its cost, range and payload and ensure it is a viable option for our Australian customers, regardless of Government incentives,” he said.

Isuzu officially unveiled its N series EV at the previous edition of the Brisbane Truck Show and this year the brand had on display its NPR 75-200 EV, which is Isuzu’s first fully electric truck with up to 200km of range.

With a GVM of 7500kg, the NPR 75-200EV is powered by five 20kWh batteries and features a 370Nm electric motor with regenerative braking. There are both AC and DC rapid charging options to minimise downtime.  

It also includes a range of active safety systems for added peace of mind. Isuzu said the model is ideal for urban last-mile deliveries.

While Euro VI models were the key focus of Isuzu’s 2025 product launch, the company is still actively seeking other avenues to reduce its carbon footprint such as developing and trialing battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.

“We continue to work on a battery electric vehicle or ‘BEV’ solution for urban and last-mile logistics applications. This has been a keen focus within IAL for some years now,” said Isuzu Australia Limited’s (IAL) Chief of Product, Matt Sakhaie.

“Our two initial N Series trial vehicles have been performing very well over the past year and we’re about to introduce additional units into our Australian trials.”