IAA Transportation 2026: Electric vehicles are also making inroads into the heavy truck sector

At the recently held IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, there were many new developments in electric commercial vehicles. This major event for commercial and industrial vehicles also showed that electrification is making its way into the heavy truck sector as well. With advances in range and fast charging, electric trucks now meet all the needs of professionals. This evolution is illustrated by the new models presented by four manufacturers: Renault Trucks, Tesla, BYD, and Man. Renault Trucks offers a range of electric trucks, with particular emphasis on the Renault Trucks E-Tech T 780. After a long wait, Tesla unveiled the European version of its Semi, which it will start selling in Europe starting in 2027. As the world’s leading manufacturer of electric cars, BYD showcased its ambitions in the field of electric trucks.

What about the ETT 44? Finally, MAN presented an optimized new generation of its eTGX.

The Renault Trucks E-Tech T 780: a new milestone in long-distance transportation

Renault Trucks took advantage of the IAA Transportation 2026 exhibition to showcase its entire range of electric trucks. The manufacturer highlighted the Renault Trucks E-Tech T 780 in particular. This heavy truck represents a new milestone in the development of electric long-distance transportation. With a range of up to 660 km, it expands the scope of tasks that can be performed using electric vehicles. This is while maintaining payload capacity and axle load constraints. It can thus carry up to 27.4 tonnes of payload. With the T 780, the Renault Trucks E-Tech T range now consists of three complementary models. The Renault Trucks E-Tech T 585 can carry up to 28.8 tonnes of payload with a range of 500 km. Optimized for regional distribution, the T 540 can carry up to 25 tonnes of payload with

450 km of range.

Tesla unveils the European version of the Semi

In Hanover, Tesla ended a long wait by unveiling the European version of its Semi. It is a truck whose brand first introduced a version in California nine years ago. This time, Tesla announced its launch in Europe for 2027. Designed for long-distance freight transport, the Semi is equipped with three engines that deliver a combined power output of 800 kW. It features a 548 kWh battery, allowing up to 550 kilometers of range with a total gross weight of 40 tons. Thanks to the MCS connector, the new standard dedicated to heavy trucks, it can accept up to 800 kW of charging power. According to Tesla, this enables the vehicle to regain 60% of its range in thirty minutes. Until the MCS network expands, Tesla will provide a CCS adapter to allow charging at conventional stations.

BYD Reveals Its Ambitions for Electric Heavy Trucks

IAA Transportation provided BYD with an opportunity to showcase its ambitions in the field of electric trucks. The company presented a complete range, led by the ETT 44, the flagship of a new generation. This vehicle embodies the brand’s expertise and its vision for the future of long-distance transportation. The ETT 44 combines high performance, Flash charging, advanced battery technology, and an ergonomic design tailored for the driver. It can deliver up to 1,000 horsepower and boasts a range of up to 600 kilometers thanks to a 651 kWh battery. Capable of handling up to 1.5 megawatts of power, it can go from 20% to 80% charge in about twenty minutes. Moreover, as the iconic model in BYD’s truck lineup, it represents a new milestone in terms of design. Its distinctive design, dynamic lines, and visual identity give it a unique presence.

an immediately recognizable signature.

A new generation optimized for the Man eTGX

Man is also accelerating the electrification of its heavy trucks and now offers a full range of electric trucks. A lineup of heavy-duty vehicles ranging from 12 to 50 tons, which it presented at IAA Transportation 2026. The highlight was the new Man eTGX, featuring optimized aerodynamics and improved energy recovery. Equipped with a new generation of batteries that provide 10% more usable energy, the 4×2 version now boasts a range of up to 660 km. The new 6×2 version, with a seventh battery pack, even achieves a range of up to 720 km. Additionally, Man is now producing its first eTGX models equipped with the ultra-fast MCS (Megawatt Charging System) technology. This standard allows the battery charge level to go from 20% to 80% in just over thirty minutes, enabling charging times that are well suited for on-the-go use.

This is the driver's mandatory break.