BYD’s All-Electric ETT 44 Semi Truck Rolls Into Europe Ready to Haul

Chinese manufacturer BYD has rolled out its flagship heavy-duty electric tractor at the IAA Transportation show in Hannover. Called the ETT 44, this 4×2 tractor aims straight at long-haul routes across Europe and arrives with numbers that put it in direct conversation with every other battery-electric semi on the market, including the Tesla Semi.

The ETT 44 is designed from the ground up to be an electric platform, rather than a converted diesel chassis. It comes with a high-roof sleeping cab having a flat solid floor. The launch version comes with a variety of aero components, including side skirts, a windshield, roof, and bumper, as well as a distinctive grille and special paint to make it stand out. Inside, a digital instrument cluster sits next to a large 12.8-inch center screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.


You’ll also see video monitors replacing traditional mirrors, and despite all the technology, there are still old-school touches like physical buttons and a gear selector that looks like a car’s, as well as a good bed beneath the seats in case you need to sleep during a rest break. Air suspension ensures a smooth ride, and you get the full range of safety features, including adaptive cruise, predictive cruise, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot detection, door-open warning, and much more.


Power comes with a 743 PS electric motor that can be boosted to 1,000 PS (approximately 1,006 horsepower), which is quite a kick. You can select between two lithium-iron-phosphate Blade Battery packs: a 434 kWh unit good for roughly 249 miles of driving or a larger 651 kWh pack for up to 373 miles. Voltage sits at 851.2 V. If you can find a conventional CCS2 charger capable of handling 420 kW, you can charge from 20 to 80 percent in about an hour; however, if you have access to one of those high-tech Megawatt Charging System units, power jumps right past 1.5 megawatts, and you can fill up in about 20 minutes, which is a game changer. BYD also provides a 10-year or 1.2-million-kilometer warranty on the battery, giving you some peace of mind.


The measurements all fit into a classic European truck mold: 6,400 mm long, 2,530 mm wide, 3,820 mm tall, and a 3,800 mm wheelbase. The curbside weight ranges from 10,950 to 11,140 kg, with a GVW of 20 tons and a GCM of 44 tons; nevertheless, the firm says that the chassis could handle 65 tons if regulations allowed. The top speed limit is 56 mph, but you can push it up to a 25% gradeability, and the turning circle is only 7.3 meters. You’ll get excellent aluminum wheels and a fixed 2-inch fifth wheel for the running gear.


BYD sees the ETT 44 as a springboard for its other products, as it offers chargers, stationary energy storage, energy management software, and finance all in one Total Cost of Mobility bundle. You can even get your hands on a rigid 4×2 or 6×2 truck, including 26-tonne swap-body and hooklift models. If you want to start small, a yard tractor or light van may be a good choice.


There is no indication yet on pricing, but sales to European fleets are scheduled to begin in the coming months. When you’re in a market where every extra minute spent at the charger costs you money, the ETT 44 truly stands out. With 373 miles of range, 1.5-megawatt charging, and a long battery warranty, you have some serious figures to compete with diesel and electric vehicles.