1. Case Background: Sludge Transportation Needs of a Sanitation Department in Baotou City, Inner Mongolia — By the end of 2025, the Urban Management Bureau of a district in Baotou City, Inner Mongolia, launched the 'Blue License Plate, 3-cubic-meter Sludge Tipper Truck Procurement Project' to address sludge transportation requirements arising from wastewater treatment plants and septic tank cleaning within its jurisdiction. Previously, the unit relied primarily on aging diesel dump trucks, which suffered from non-compliant emissions, high maintenance costs, and low operational efficiency. Following a public tender process, Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd. delivered the Dongfeng D6 blue license plate, 3-cubic-meter sludge tipper truck. Based on this case and Chengli’s product database (e.g., model CLW5070GSSD6), this article compares fuel-powered and battery-electric variants to provide reference for similar procurement decisions. According to publicly available tender information, the project budget was capped at approximately RMB 337,000 (for three units), with an estimated unit price ranging between RMB 98,000 and RMB 115,000. The procuring entity specifically required vehicles to feature sealed, leak-proof design and hydraulic tipping functionality, while also being capable of operating reliably under Baotou’s harsh winter conditions (temperatures below –20°C). Chengli’s proposed solution utilized the Dongfeng D6 chassis, equipped with a 3-cubic-meter sludge tank and hydraulic tipping system, fully compliant with China VI emission standards. 2. Fuel-Powered vs. Battery-Electric: Comprehensive Comparison of Costs, Operational Scenarios, and Infrastructure Requirements Amid China’s 'Dual Carbon' policy framework, electrification of sanitation vehicles is gaining momentum. However, due to limitations in charging infrastructure and driving range, fuel-powered variants remain dominant. Below is a detailed comparison of the Dongfeng D6 blue license plate, 3-cubic-meter sludge tipper truck—based on this case and Chengli’s technical specifications. 1. Cost Comparison (Over a 5-Year Lifecycle) | Item | Fuel-Powered Variant (Dongfeng D6 Blue License Plate, 3 m³) | Battery-Electric Variant (Electric Conversion Based on Same Chassis) | |------|-------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Vehicle Purchase Price | Approx. RMB 98,000–115,000 (Chengli’s 2026 tax-inclusive pricing) | Approx. RMB 180,000–250,000 (including battery and conversion, per market benchmarks) | | Annual Fuel/Electricity Cost (12,000 km/year) | Approx. RMB 25,000 (diesel price: RMB 7.5/L; fuel consumption: 12 L/100 km) | Approx. RMB 6,000 (electricity price: RMB 0.5/kWh; energy consumption: 30 kWh/100 km) | | Annual Maintenance Cost | Approx. RMB 8,000 (engine, drivetrain, etc.) | Approx. RMB 3,000 (reduced maintenance for battery and motor) | | Total 5-Year Cost (purchase + energy + maintenance) | Approx. RMB 215,000–268,000 | Approx. RMB 225,000–298,000 | | Annual CO₂ Emissions | Approx. 12 tons | 0 tons (pure electric drive) | Conclusion: Over a 5-year lifecycle, the fuel-powered variant entails lower initial investment but higher operating costs. The battery-electric variant requires an upfront premium of approx. RMB 80,000–140,000, yet saves approx. RMB 24,000 annually in energy and maintenance expenses—resulting in comparable total cost of ownership over five years. Considering future volatility in fuel prices and tightening carbon-emission regulations, the battery-electric variant offers stronger long-term advantages. 2. Operational Scenario Differences Fuel-Powered Variant: Suitable for suburban or remote township areas lacking fixed charging infrastructure, especially where extreme low-temperature operation is required (e.g., Baotou winters below –20°C). Diesel engines demonstrate superior cold-start reliability, eliminate range anxiety, and are ide