BYD brings ETT 44 electric truck to Europe

BYD is entering the European heavy-duty electric truck market with the ETT 44. The 44-tonne tractor unit features a 651-kWh battery and, according to the manufacturer, offers a range of nearly 600 kilometers and a charging power of over 1.5 MW.

The BYD ETT 44 combines a 651-kWh battery with over 1.5 MW charging power.

Image: BYD

BYD unveiled the ETT 44 for the European market at IAA Transportation in Hanover. The battery-electric 4×2 tractor unit is designed for a gross combination weight of up to 44 tonnes and will serve as the flagship of the Chinese manufacturer’s European commercial vehicle portfolio.

The ETT 44 features a 651 kWh Blade Battery with LFP cell chemistry. BYD claims a range of up to 372 miles (nearly 600 kilometres), though the Chinese automotive giant does not specify the conditions under which this figure is achieved. Via CCS2, the ETT 44 can charge at up to 420 kW, enabling a charging session from 20% to 80% in a maximum of 60 minutes. Using MCS, BYD specifies charging power of over 1.5 MW, with a maximum of 20 minutes for the same charging session, during which nearly 400 kilometres of range can reportedly be replenished.

The regular drive power is 743 PS, with peak performance of up to 1,000 PS, according to BYD. The curb weight of the tractor unit ranges between 10.95 and 11.14 tonnes, depending on the configuration. BYD offers a ten-year or 1.2 million kilometre warranty for the Blade Battery.

BYD expands truck portfolio in Europe

In addition to the ETT 44, BYD is showcasing new rigid 4×2 and 6×2 trucks in Hanover, including a 26-tonne model with a swap body and a variant with a hooklift. This will allow the European commercial vehicle portfolio to cover the spectrum from 3.5 to 44 tonnes in the future. Additionally, BYD plans to offer charging infrastructure, energy storage, energy management, and financing.

With the ETT 44, BYD is entering an increasingly competitive European market. Daimler Truck, MAN and Volvo are also showcasing their latest electric trucks at the IAA. For example, Volvo quotes a range of up to 700 kilometres for the new FH Aero Electric, although such manufacturer figures are not directly comparable due to varying operational and test conditions.

At the same time, competition from China is growing: among others, Sany, Sinotruk and Skyworth are presenting heavy-duty electric trucks in Hanover and are already working on establishing a presence in the European market.