Shandong's sanbengzi, or three-wheel electric tricycles, win global popularity in 2026. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The three‑wheeled electric vehicle (EV) – playfully nicknamed sanbengzi in China – has become a surprise export hit from Shandong province, with overseas buyers drawn to its versatility and affordability.

According to statistics from Qingdao Customs, Shandong exported 430,000 two-wheel and three-wheel EVs in the first seven months of this year, up 73.5 percent from the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, their export value rose 34.4 percent year-on-year – far outpacing the province's average growth. 

For some manufacturers, the boom has been even more dramatic. Jinan-based Jingang Group surpassed last year's total export volume in the first half of 2026 alone, with export revenue exceeding 100 million yuan ($14.81 million) in that period.

Behind the numbers lies a simple equation: affordability meets unmet demand. Foreign buyers are often astonished by the value proposition – overseas retail prices can be three to four times higher than domestic prices, yet sales remain robust. In Western markets, traditional cars dominate, but narrow streets and scarce parking have left a gap for short-distance travel that these compact vehicles perfectly fill. In developing regions, they serve as essential workhorses for cargo transport and passenger services.

Shandong's manufacturing ecosystem gives local producers a decisive edge. In Yinan county alone, 12 local manufacturers produce 2 million vehicles annually, supported by over 100 parts suppliers. "From core components to the smallest screw, everything is available locally," one executive noted.

In the first seven months of this year, Linyi exported 210,000 two- and three-wheeled EVs, a year-on-year surge of 173.9 percent, accounting for half of Shandong's total exports in this category.