I. Project Background and Requirements Analysis In early 2025, a municipal sanitation department in Lhasa launched a procurement project for 3308 yellow-plate sewage treatment vehicles, primarily intended for emergency sewage pumping and drainage from urban sewer networks, as well as auxiliary operations at wastewater treatment plants. Located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at an altitude of approximately 3,650 meters, Lhasa experiences winter temperatures dropping below -15°C—posing stringent requirements on the vehicle’s frost-resistant starting capability, low-temperature hydraulic system stability, and overall durability. According to publicly released tender information, the procuring entity specified the following key technical parameters: Chassis: China VI emission standard; yellow license plate; suitable for plateau road conditions Effective capacity: Approximately 8–12 m³ (reference based on similar models) Hydraulic system: Must operate normally at -15°C Starting system: Equipped with preheating device to ensure reliable startup above -20°C After-sales service: Chassis covered by nationwide warranty; superstructure covered by lifetime service Project budget capped at approximately RMB 1.658 million (reference based on similar-scale procurements); two units planned for procurement. II. Cost Comparison: Diesel-Powered vs. Battery-Electric Versions Powertrain selection is critical for sewage treatment vehicles operating in plateau environments. Below is a comprehensive evaluation comparing Chengli Special Purpose Vehicle’s CLW5180GSSD6 chassis (China VI diesel version) and its corresponding battery-electric variant (non-production prototype, for reference only). Table 1: Cost Comparison – Diesel-Powered vs. Battery-Electric Versions (Based on Public Tender Information) Comparison Item Diesel-Powered Version Battery-Electric Version Chassis Model CLW5180GSSD6 (Dongfeng chassis) Battery-electric chassis (not yet mass-produced) Approximate Vehicle Unit Price RMB 250,000–300,000 RMB 450,000–550,000 Energy Consumption (per 100 km) Approx. 18 L diesel (~RMB 140) Approx. 80 kWh electricity (~RMB 60) Annual Energy Cost (10,000 km) ~RMB 14,000 ~RMB 6,000 Annual Maintenance Cost ~RMB 8,000 (engine oil, filters, etc.) ~RMB 3,000 (battery maintenance) High-Altitude Adaptability Requires preheating device Significant battery capacity degradation at low temperatures Charging Infrastructure Requirement None required DC fast-charging station required Total Cost of Ownership (5-year lifecycle) ~RMB 320,000 ~RMB 480,000 As shown in Table 1, the diesel-powered version incurs ~RMB 200,000 lower initial investment and requires no additional charging infrastructure. Although the battery-electric version offers lower energy costs, battery capacity may decrease by 30%–40% under plateau low-temperature conditions, adversely affecting operational continuity. III. Operational Scenario Differences Primary use cases for the Lhasa procurement include: • Emergency pumping and drainage: Rapid response required during rainy seasons or pipe blockages; vehicles must remain on standby at all times. • Wastewater treatment plant support: Regular sludge or wastewater transfer over distances of ~10–20 km. • Winter maintenance: Hydraulic systems prone to freezing at low temperatures, necessitating frequent preheating. With optional low-temperature preheating devices and hydraulic oil heating systems (standard Chengli configuration), the diesel-powered version ensures stable engine start-up and hydraulic system operation within 30 minutes at -15°C. Under identical conditions, the battery-electric version consumes an additional 10%–15% of battery capacity for battery heating, and charging time increases by over 50%. Per local procurement practice, diesel-powered vehicles dominate Lhasa’s sanitation fleet due to their superior reliability and ease of maintenance. IV. Charging Infrastructure Requirements If adopting