BYD's electric truck: 651 kWh battery and 400 km of range added in 20 minutes
BYD aims to bring the technology currently used in its electric vehicles to the European heavy-duty transport sector. At the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, the Chinese company unveiled the new ETT 44, a heavy-duty electric truck developed specifically to compete in Europe and serve as the flagship of its commercial vehicle lineup.
This model is a 4x2 tractor unit designed for combinations weighing up to 44 tonnes, combining a 651 kWh Blade Battery with an 851.2-volt electrical architecture. BYD claims a range of up to 600 kilometers and a peak power output reaching 1,000 hp. However, its standout feature may well be its charging capacity of over 1.5 MW.
Up to 400 km of range in about 20 minutes.
The ETT 44 is compatible with the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) for heavy-duty vehicles and supports charging power exceeding 1,500 kW. With such high power output, BYD guarantees that the battery can charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes, recovering up to 400 km of range during that time.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, directly links this technology to the strategy the company has already begun implementing in its vehicles: "We have already put Flash Charging into practice in passenger vehicles." "We are currently implementing this technology in commercial vehicles, starting with our trucks."
The difference compared to conventional charging is striking. The ETT 44 also features a CCS2 connection with a capacity of up to 420 kW. However, using this method requires a charging time of up to 60 minutes to go from a 20% to an 80% charge level. MCS technology cuts downtime to roughly one-third—a crucial factor for industrial vehicles, where every minute of inactivity carries significant economic implications.
BYD utilizes a Blade Battery with LFP chemistry and a 651 kWh capacity. The company has announced a range of up to 600 km, though final specifications may vary based on configuration and operating conditions. The manufacturer's warranty is also exceptional, covering the battery for ten years or 1.2 million kilometers..
A truck with up to 1,000 hp for 44-tonne combinations.
The vehicle's powertrain is equally impressive. The electric system generates 743 hp of nominal power and is capable of reaching a peak of 1,000 hp. Its top speed is limited to 90 km/h, and it can handle 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 a wheelbase of 3,800 mm. The tractor unit weighs between 10,950 and 11,140 kilograms, depending on the specific configuration. Additionally, it is designed to handle a maximum gross combination weight of 44,000 kilograms.
BYD has focused on designing a high-roof cab with a flat floor, suitable for long-haul journeys. The driver has access to a 12.8-inch central display compatible with Apple... ...CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as numerous driving aids including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring systems.
BYD aims to cover the 3.5- to 44-tonne range in Europe.
The ETT 44 is not making its debut alone. BYD has used the IAA Transportation event to significantly expand its European commercial vehicle lineup, which now spans from 3.5 to 44 tonnes. Alongside the launch of its new flagship model, the company has introduced new 4x2 and 6x2 rigid trucks designed for distribution, municipal services, and other professional applications.
The strategy encompasses not only vehicle sales but also other key aspects. BYD seeks to leverage its vertical integration to offer a comprehensive package that includes batteries, energy storage systems, charging infrastructure, energy management software, and financial services. The company aims to position itself as a one-stop provider for businesses looking to electrify their fleets. The ETT 44 model represents arguably the most compelling statement yet for the European market.
