- BYD unveiled a Europe-spec 44-ton pure-electric tractor truck, signaling a push to capture long-haul and regional freight share amid intensifying electrification and cost pressure on incumbents.
- The ETT 44 offers 651 kWh and 434 kWh battery options with 600 km and 400 km ranges at 40t/70 km/h, 11.12-ton curb weight, and up to 1.5 MW flash charging (20%–80% in ~20 minutes).
- Directly targets Actros, Volvo FH Electric, Scania and MAN in Europe, but faces execution risks around charger network availability, fleet integration timing, and scaling manufacturing and service support.
BYD officially unveiled the European version of its pure-electric tractor truck, the ETT 44, at the media day of IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover, Germany, on Sept. 14.
As BYD’s first 44-ton pure-electric heavy-duty truck developed for Europe’s long-haul transportation market, the ETT 44 adopts a 4×2 configuration and targets regional distribution, multimodal transport, and long-distance freight applications.
The truck is available with two battery options, offering 651 kWh and 434 kWh of capacity. Under standard test conditions with a 40-ton gross weight and a speed of 70 km/h, the two versions deliver maximum ranges of 600 km and 400 km, respectively.
The ETT 44 also adopts BYD’s integrated battery-chassis design, keeping curb weight at 11.12 tons. BYD said the structure frees up around 500 kg of additional payload capacity compared with competing products in the same class.
The biggest technical highlight is its megawatt flash charging capability.
The ETT 44 marks the first time BYD has brought its flash-charging technology, previously used in passenger vehicles, into the commercial vehicle sector. The truck supports charging at up to 1.5 MW, raising battery capacity from 20% to 80% in around 20 minutes and adding approximately 300–400 km of range.
The model also supports up to 425 kW CCS2 DC fast charging. Under conventional fast-charging conditions, a 20%-80% charge takes about one hour. For fleet operators, shorter charging downtime means vehicles can complete more transport operations.
Beyond charging efficiency, the ETT 44 has become the first long-haul pure-electric truck to receive a five-star safety rating under Europe’s safety assessment system.
The latest tests by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) awarded the BYD ETT 44 a five-star rating, along with the CitySafe award for urban safety performance.
In testing, the 4×2 tractor model scored 89% in the Safe Driving category, 73% in Collision Avoidance, and 80% in Post-Crash Safety.
The Mercedes-Benz Actros F Series and Scania G and R Series also received five-star ratings and CitySafe awards. The Actros F Series scored 79% in Safe Driving and 82% in Collision Avoidance, while both Scania models achieved 96% in Collision Avoidance.
Based on Euro NCAP results, the BYD ETT 44 has reached a similar safety level to leading European heavy-duty truck manufacturers. After entering the European market, it will compete directly with established models such as the Mercedes-Benz Actros, Volvo FH Electric, Scania trucks, and MAN vehicles.
Beyond heavy-duty trucks, BYD’s electric buses have already entered markets across the world, with more than 7,000 units either in operation or under order in 26 countries and over 160 cities.
From electric buses to light commercial vehicles and now 44-ton pure-electric tractor trucks, BYD is gradually expanding its global commercial vehicle lineup.
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