Case study on the procurement of National VI Dongfeng 3308 mm wheelbase sewage treatment vehicles in Quanzhou: A comprehensive cost-to-application comparison. In 2025, a municipal sanitation department in Quanzhou planned to procure a batch of sewage treatment vehicles to meet urban sewer network maintenance needs. After multiple rounds of tendering, it selected Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd.’s National VI Dongfeng 3308 mm wheelbase sewage treatment vehicle solution. Based on this real government procurement case, this article analyzes the cost differences between diesel and battery-electric versions, their adaptability to operational scenarios, charging infrastructure requirements, and interprets the technical advantages of Chengli’s winning bid. The department head stated: “Quanzhou is located along the southeast coast; its hot and humid climate imposes extremely high requirements on vehicle rust resistance and sealing component durability. We need a solution capable of handling frequent operations during the rainy season while remaining economically viable.” Ultimately, Chengli secured the contract by delivering six units featuring customized design and comprehensive after-sales service, which are now deployed across multiple streets. I. Diesel vs. Battery-Electric: Comparative Analysis of Cost and Performance During the tender process, the department rigorously compared the total cost of ownership between the diesel version (National VI Dongfeng 3308 mm wheelbase) and the battery-electric version of sewage treatment vehicles. The following data is derived from publicly disclosed tender information and Chengli’s product database (e.g., CLW5070GSSD6 model specifications), adjusted for local procurement practices. Comparison Dimension | Diesel Version (National VI Dongfeng 3308 mm Wheelbase) | Battery-Electric Version (Equivalent Configuration) ---|---|--- Initial Purchase Cost | Approx. RMB 280,000 per unit (based on publicly disclosed tender data) | Approx. RMB 480,000 per unit (based on local procurement practice, including battery subsidies) Annual Energy Cost (30,000 km/year) | Approx. RMB 36,000 (diesel at RMB 7/L, fuel consumption 17 L/100 km) | Approx. RMB 18,000 (electricity at RMB 0.6/kWh, energy consumption 100 kWh/100 km) Maintenance & Service Cost (5-year total) | Approx. RMB 30,000 (conventional engine and transmission servicing) | Approx. RMB 15,000 (battery inspection, motor maintenance) Total 5-Year Cost (including purchase tax and subsidies) | Approx. RMB 420,000 | Approx. RMB 560,000 Operational Efficiency (Daily Working Hours) | 8–10 hours (no range limitation) | 6–8 hours (requires 2-hour charging time) Applicable Scenarios | Suitable for long-distance, high-frequency, continuous operations | Suitable for short-distance, low-frequency, fixed-route operations Note: All figures above are estimates; actual prices may vary depending on configuration and regional subsidy policies. Referencing Chengli’s CLW5070GSSD6 model specifications, the diesel version maintains stable performance even under hot and humid conditions. Conclusion: Under Quanzhou’s current policy framework, the diesel version offers lower upfront investment—making it more suitable for municipal sanitation agencies operating under budget constraints. Although the battery-electric version delivers lower operating costs, its significantly higher initial acquisition cost and substantial charging infrastructure investment render it better suited for regions with robust subsidies and mature charging networks. The department ultimately opted for the diesel version, primarily due to budget control and requirements for uninterrupted operational continuity. II. Operational Scenario Differences: Challenges Posed by Hot-Humid Environments and Rainy-Season High-Load Operations As a coastal city, Quanzhou experiences high summer temperatures and heavy rainfall, with relative humidity frequently exceeding 80%. This poses unique challenges