Chinese automotive giant BYD has made headlines at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover with the premiere of its new commercial flagship vehicle. The ETT 44 is a fully electric heavy-duty tractor designed for Europe’s long-haul transport sector bringing loads of power, a massive battery pack and ultra-fast charging.

Visually, the ETT 44 shares the upright cab-over design with the existing ETH 20, ETH 28, and ETH 8 heavy-duty rigs, and comes standard with a high-roof sleeper cab layout. The launch edition is distinguished by aero add-ons on the front bumper, side skirts, above the windshield, and on the roof, alongside a custom grille and a special livery.

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The interior boasts a digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch infotainment display, and large screens for the mirror-replacing cameras. We can also see an array of physical controls, a car-like gear knob, multiple cup holders, storage compartments, and a radio. Behind the seats is a bed for the driver. The ETT 44 rides on air suspension and comes equipped with an extensive ADAS suite.

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Under the skin, the specs beat the European-market Tesla Semi, which was also introduced at the same event. BYD’s 4×2 electric tractor is powered by a single electric motor generating up to 1,006 hp (750 kW / 1,020 PS). It is available with two LFP BYD Blade battery options with capacities of 434 kWh and 651 kWh, with advertised range figures of 400 km (249 miles) and 600 km (373 miles) respectively.

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The base version has a maximum charging rate of 950 kW, which increases to an impressive 1,500 kW in the long-range variant. This means that both models can charge from 20-80% in as little as 20 minutes when connected to a compatible MCS charger. For comparison, the EU-market Tesla Semi has a 550 km (342-mile) range and supports charging speeds of up to 800 kW.

Weight Figures

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The BYD ETT 44 measures 6,400 mm (252.0 in) long, 2,530 mm (99.6 in) wide, and 3,820 mm (150.4 in), tall with a 3,800 mm (149.6 in) wheelbase. This footprint is similar to other European heavy-duty tractors such as the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, Man eTGX, Scania 45 R Electric, and DAF XF Electric.

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Its curb weight ranges between 10,950-11,140 kg (24,141-24,560 lbs) with a gross weight rating of 20 tons (44,092 lbs) and a gross combination weight of 44 tons (97,003 lbs) as dictated by European regulations. BYD says that the model would be capable of a gross combination weight of 65 tons (143,300 lbs).

Notably, even the capped gross figure is higher than the Tesla Semi, which maxes out at 40 tons (80,000 lbs), although it has a lighter curb weight of 9,100 kg (20,062 lbs).

BYD has yet to announce pricing for the ETT 44, which is expected to hit European roads in the coming months. However, the company has already confirmed a standard 10-year or 1.2 million km (750,000-mile) warranty for the battery pack, offering peace of mind to future owners.

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