BYD has unveiled its ETT 44 battery-electric tractor unit at IAA Transportation 2026 in Germany, with European deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of 2027 as the Chinese manufacturer expands into the region’s heavy truck market.
The 4×2 flagship features a 651kWh Blade Battery, a gross combination weight of 44 tonnes and peak output of up to 986hp.
BYD claims the ETT 44 can travel up to 372 miles (around 600km), although the range remains listed as unconfirmed in the model’s technical specifications.
The truck supports charging at more than 1.5MW through a Megawatt Charging System, allowing its battery to be replenished from 20% to 80% in 20 minutes.
BYD says this can add up to 248 miles (about 400km) of range.
It can also charge at up to 420kW using a CCS2 connection, with a 20% to 80% recharge taking up to 60 minutes.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li says the system is intended to minimise vehicle downtime.
“We have already put Flash Charging into practice in passenger vehicles. Today, we are bringing this technology to commercial vehicles, starting with our trucks.
“Less time charging. More time on the road.”
Li told reporters at IAA Transportation in Hannover that the company was initially working with major logistics businesses and fleet operators on demonstration projects.
BYD plans to begin rolling out its European truck dealer network in early 2027 before expanding to other markets.
The ETT 44 uses a purpose-built electric platform and features a high-roof, flat-floor sleeper cab. Its rated power output is 733hp, or about 546kW, rising to 986hp at peak.
The tractor weighs between 10.95 and 11.14 tonnes and has front and rear air suspension.
Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane assistance, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring.
The cabin features a 12.8-inch central display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and BYD’s Fleetlink system.
The truck’s battery is covered by a 10-year or 1.2-million-kilometre warranty.
BYD also displayed new 4×2 and 6×2 rigid electric trucks at the Hannover event, represented by 26-tonne swap-body and hooklift models.
The expanded range gives BYD a European commercial vehicle offering spanning 3.5 to 44 tonnes and covering urban distribution, municipal work, regional freight and long-haul transport.
BYD plans to support the trucks with charging infrastructure, energy storage, electricity management, financing and fleet services as part of its entry into Europe’s heavy-truck market.
