BYD has unveiled its new ETT 44 heavy-duty electric tractor at IAA Transportation 2026, leading an expanded European commercial vehicle range backed by charging speeds of up to 1.5MW.
The new flagship truck has been designed from the outset as an electric vehicle and sits at the top of BYD Commercial Vehicles’ latest European line-up, which covers urban distribution, municipal work, regional transport and long-haul logistics.
One of the headline technologies is BYD’s FLASH Charging system. The company says its 1.5MW charging capability can take a compatible truck battery from 20 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes, adding up to 248 miles of range.
“We have already put FLASH Charging into practice in passenger vehicles. Today, we are bringing this technology to commercial vehicles, starting with our trucks,” said Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.
“With 1.5 Megawatts of charging power, it can charge from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes – delivering up to 248 miles of range. Less time charging. More time on the road.”
ETT 44 leads new BYD truck generation
The ETT 44 is the centrepiece of BYD’s IAA Transportation display and has been developed on a dedicated electric platform rather than being adapted from an existing diesel truck architecture.
BYD says the design combines its Blade Battery technology with high-performance electric propulsion, ultra-fast charging and a driver-focused cab.
The truck also introduces a new design direction for BYD’s commercial vehicle operation, with the company aiming to give its heavy-duty models a more distinctive visual identity as it expands further into the European market.
Perhaps more important to fleet operators is the battery warranty. BYD says the ETT 44’s Blade Battery will be covered for 10 years or 1.2 million kilometres as standard.
The company is positioning that long-term battery support as part of a broader strategy designed to give operators greater certainty over the lifetime costs of running electric trucks.
More than an electric truck
BYD is using IAA Transportation 2026 to make the case that electrifying commercial fleets requires more than simply replacing diesel vehicles with battery-powered alternatives.
Its commercial vehicle operation combines trucks with battery technology, charging infrastructure, stationary energy storage, energy management and financing.
BYD describes this approach as its Total Cost of Mobility, or TCM, philosophy. Rather than considering the truck in isolation, the system takes into account factors including vehicle efficiency, electricity costs, charging infrastructure, energy consumption, fleet operations and financing.
The aim is to reduce the complexity involved in moving a commercial fleet to electric power while maximising vehicle availability.
“From batteries and solar power to energy storage, FLASH Charging and commercial vehicles, we provide a one-stop solution for sustainable commercial transport,” Li said.
“One company. One ecosystem. One total energy solution.”
Complete electric commercial vehicle range
The ETT 44 is joined at IAA Transportation by a broader selection of BYD electric commercial vehicles, including rigid trucks, vocational vehicles and yard tractors.
All use technology developed within BYD’s vertically integrated business, which allows the company to develop major components including batteries, electric vehicle systems and energy technology in-house.
That strategy also means BYD wants to supply more than the vehicles themselves. Charging, energy storage and intelligent energy management are being packaged alongside its commercial vehicles as part of a complete fleet electrification proposition.
With the arrival of the ETT 44 and 1.5MW FLASH Charging, BYD is now stepping up its push into the European heavy commercial vehicle market, bringing the vertically integrated approach already used across its passenger car business into the truck sector.
