BYD’s new electric truck can achieve up to 400 km of range in just 20 minutes.

BYD introduces the ETT 44 in Europe, an electric tractor weighing 44 tons equipped with a 651 kWh battery. With an MCS charging rate exceeding 1.5 MW, the manufacturer claims it can achieve up to 400 km of range in just 20 minutes—a record for this segment!

Following its success with electric cars, BYD now aims to establish its technology in heavy transportation. At the IAA Transportation event in Hanover, the Chinese manufacturer unveiled the new BYD ETT 44, its latest electric tractor designed for the European market.

This 44-tonne heavy truck becomes one of the flagship models in BYD’s new push into the heavy vehicle segment. While it boasts a range of nearly 600 kilometers, it is especially its fast charging speed that catches attention. With an MCS-compatible charger, BYD claims it can charge the battery from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

A 651 kWh Blade battery

The ETT 44 features a 4×2 tractor configuration designed to achieve a total running weight of 44 tonnes. It is equipped with a 651 kWh Blade battery using LFP chemistry. This belongs to the same technology family used in BYD’s electric cars, but applied on a completely different scale here.

In terms of range, BYD claims 600 kilometers per charge. Although this figure is still lower than that of the new MAN eTGX, the manufacturer compensates for it with a charging speed significantly higher than that of other models on the market.

In detail, the truck supports two fast-charging standards. With a CCS2 charger, the maximum power can reach 420 kW. BYD claims this allows the battery to go from 20% to 80% in up to 60 minutes. However, with the new MCS standard designed for heavy trucks, the power increases to over 1.5 MW. Under these conditions, charging from 20% to 80% would take only 20 minutes, enabling the truck to gain a theoretical range of 400 km. For comparison, the European version of the Tesla Semi is limited to 800 kW. What remains now is for Europe to have a sufficiently powerful and extensive network of MCS chargers to fully utilize these capabilities.

Up to 1,000 horsepower at peak

BYD was also unapologetic when it came to power performance. The ETT 44 delivers a nominal power output of 743 horsepower, or approximately 546 kW. According to the manufacturer, peak power can temporarily reach 1,000 horsepower.

Beyond performance, the brand also aims to reassure professionals about battery lifespan. BYD provides a 10-year or 1.2 million-kilometer warranty on the battery for the ETT 44. This factor is likely to be just as important as range or charging speed for fleet managers.

A much broader offensive

ETT 44 is just one part of BYD’s European offensive. In Hanover, the manufacturer also unveiled several new rigid trucks in 4×2 and 6×2 configurations. The range includes a 26-ton model with a removable cargo box as well as a version equipped with a hook system. Ultimately, BYD aims to cover the European market for trucks in the 3.5 to 44-ton range. The company does not intend to limit itself to vehicles alone; it also plans to offer charging infrastructure, energy storage solutions, and financing options.