The new BYD electric car arriving in Europe isn’t cheap, but it has a range of 600 km, a battery capacity of 651 kWh, and can cover 400 km in 20 minutes.
15/09/2026 11:30
Updated to
15/09/2026 11:30
BYD aims to transfer much of the technology it already uses in its electric cars to European heavy transportation. The Chinese company unveiled the new ETT 44 at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, an electric heavy-duty truck developed specifically to compete on our continent and become the flagship of its commercial vehicle lineup.
This is a 4x2 tractor unit designed for loads up to 44 tons, featuring a 651 kWh Blade battery paired with an 851.2-volt electrical architecture. BYD claims a range of up to 600 kilometers and maximum power of around 1,000 horsepower, but its most notable feature might be another: it can charge at a power level of over 1.5 MW.
Up to 400 km of range in about 20 minutes
The ETT 44 is compatible with the new MCS charging system for heavy vehicles and can deliver over 1,500 kW. With such power, BYD claims the battery can go from 20% to 80% in roughly 20 minutes, restoring up to 400 km of range during that charging stop.
Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, directly links this technology to the strategy the company has already begun implementing in its passenger vehicles: “We have already put Flash Charging into use in passenger cars. Now we are bringing this technology to commercial vehicles, starting with our trucks.”
The difference compared to conventional charging is significant. The ETT 44 also features a CCS2 connection capable of delivering 420 kW, but using this setup it takes up to 60 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. The MCS technology reduces this time to about one-third, which is particularly important in an industrial vehicle where every minute of downtime has economic consequences.
BYD uses a Blade battery with LFP chemistry and a capacity of 651 kWh. The company claims a range of up to 600 km, though the final specifications may depend on configuration and usage conditions. The warranty is also unusually long: 10 years or 1.2 million kilometers for the battery.
A truck with up to 1,000 HP for 44-tonne loads
The mechanical specifications are also impressive. The electrical system delivers a nominal power of 743 HP and can reach up to 1,000 HP. Its top speed is limited to 90 km/h, and it can climb gradients of up to 25%.
The ETT 44 measures 6,400 mm in length, 2,530 mm in width, and 3,820 mm in height, with an axle distance of 3,800 mm. The tractor unit weighs between 10,950 and 11,140 kg depending on the configuration, and it is designed to handle a maximum total weight of 44,000 kg.
BYD has also focused on the cabin, featuring a high ceiling, flat floor, and design suited for long-distance travel. The driver is equipped with a 12.8-inch central screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous assist features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and warning systems, traffic sign recognition, and blind spot monitoring systems.
BYD aims to cover payloads from 3.5 to 44 tons in Europe
The ETT 44 isn’t the only model introduced. BYD took advantage of IAA Transportation to significantly expand its European range of commercial vehicles, now spanning payloads from 3.5 to 44 tons. Along with this new flagship model, it also unveiled new 4x2 and 6x2 truck models designed for distribution, municipal services, and other professional applications.
The strategy goes beyond simply selling vehicles. BYD aims to leverage its vertical integration to offer batteries, energy storage systems, charging infrastructure, software for energy management, and financial services together. The company seeks to become a one-stop supplier for businesses looking to electrify their fleets. The ETT 44 is likely its most compelling demonstration to date for the European market.