Charging a 44-tonne truck from 20 to 80 percent in twenty minutes is now possible. BYD’s new ETT 44, shown at IAA Transportation 2026, brings megawatt-level charging to long-haul trucking and targets the European market. Its debut in Hannover signals BYD’s push for local production and adoption.
The ETT 44 uses a 651 kWh Blade Battery with LFP chemistry, operating at 851.2 volts. The battery comes with a 10-year or 1.2 million kilometer warranty. The truck’s electric motors deliver 743 hp, with a peak output of 1,000 hp, enough to handle 25 percent gradients at full load. Top speed is limited to 90 km/h, in line with European freight rules. Electrek and electrive.net confirm these figures, which match official press materials.
The BYD ETT 44 became the first electric long-haul truck to receive a Euro NCAP safety rating at IAA 2026, bringing fresh attention to safety standards for heavy-duty EVs.
Automotive World
The truck’s charging system is a basic feature. The CCS2 connector allows 420 kW charging, so a 20 to 80 percent recharge takes less than an hour. With MCS (Megawatt Charging System), the ETT 44 can take over 1.5 MW, cutting charging time for the same range to just twenty minutes. For fleet operators, that means less downtime and more time on the road. IAA Transportation 2026 and Reuters confirm that twenty minutes is the official charging time for the 20 to 80 percent range.
The ETT 44 is built for European highways. It measures 6.4 meters long, 2.53 meters wide, and 3.82 meters high, with a 3.8-meter wheelbase. The 4x2 tractor supports a maximum combined mass of 44,000 kg. Depending on configuration, unladen weight is between 10,950 and 11,140 kg. The truck has air suspension with electronic control, aluminum wheels, and tires sized 385/55 R22.5 at the front and 315/70 R22.5 at the rear. Maximum axle loads are 8,500 kg at the front and 12,500 kg at the rear.
Reuters reports that BYD plans to manufacture trucks in Europe, making the ETT 44 a showpiece and a basic part of the company’s broader localization strategy for the region. The move is expected to intensify competition as other manufacturers, including Tesla, prepare to enter the European electric truck market.
Reuters
The cab is designed for long-distance work, with a high roof, flat floor, and sleeping area. The digital cockpit uses a 12.8-inch display and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Fleetlink integration gives operators real-time access to vehicle data and performance.
Safety features include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping and correction, and blind spot detection. The truck also monitors tire pressure and axle loads, and assists with hill starts and stability. It has systems to detect obstacles and vulnerable road users near the vehicle. Information from Automotive World, the ETT 44’s Euro NCAP rating at IAA 2026 is a first for electric long-haul trucks.
Stella Li, BYD’s executive vice president, highlighted the charging technology: “We have already implemented FLASH Charging technology in passenger vehicles. Today we bring this technology to commercial vehicles, starting with our trucks. With a charging power of 1.5 megawatts, it is possible to charge from 20 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes, providing a range of up to 400 km. Less charging time. More time on the road.” She added, “Greater efficiency for every vehicle. From batteries and solar energy to energy storage, FLASH Charging and commercial vehicles. We offer a comprehensive solution for sustainable commercial transport. One company. One unique environment. One complete energy solution.”
BYD has not yet announced the ETT 44’s official range, price, or delivery schedule. Based on charging data, a range of about 600 km is likely for long-haul use, information from IAA and several independent sources. The launch comes as Tesla prepares to enter the European market, with the Tesla Semi expected in 2027. On paper, the ETT 44’s specs already surpass those of the Tesla Semi.
For Spanish operators, the ETT 44’s arrival marks a new stage in the electric truck market. Recent launches like the Skoda Epiq 40 have focused on affordable electric cars for city drivers, while BYD is betting on scale and speed for commercial vehicles. The next basic details, real-world range, pricing, and delivery dates, will show whether this truck can deliver on its technical promise for European logistics. For now, BYD has set a new technical standard that competitors will have to match.
