New BYD electric truck aims to outperform Tesla in almost all specifications
Germany (ANTARA) - Chinese automotive giant BYD has become the centre of attention at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany, with the premiere launch of its latest flagship commercial vehicle, the ETT 44. This fully electric heavy-duty tractor is designed for the long-distance transport sector in Europe, featuring high power, high-capacity batteries, and ultra-fast charging capabilities.
In terms of specifications, the ETT 44 outperforms the Tesla Semi for the European market, which was also introduced at the same event.
Visually, the ETT 44 features a cab-over design similar to the existing ETH 20, ETH 28, and ETH 8 models. The vehicle comes standard with a high-roof sleeper cab configuration, according to Carscoops, Tuesday (16/9) local time.
The interior of the ETT 44 is equipped with a digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, and large camera displays that replace traditional side-view mirrors.
The ETT 44 utilises air suspension and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
The BYD 4x2 electric tractor uses a single electric motor producing up to 1,006 hp (750 kW/1,020 PS).
BYD offers two options for its BYD Blade LFP batteries, with capacities of 434 kWh and 651 kWh, providing claimed ranges of 400 km and 600 km respectively.
The base version features a maximum charging capability of 950 kW, while the long-range variant reaches up to 1,500 kW. Both models can charge from 20 to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes when connected to a compatible MCS charger.
By comparison, the Tesla Semi for the EU market has a range of 550 km and supports charging speeds of up to 800 kW.
The BYD ETT 44 measures 6,400 mm in length, 2,530 mm in width, and 3,820 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,800 mm. These dimensions are similar to other European heavy-duty tractors, such as the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, MAN eTGX, Scania 45 R Electric, and DAF XF Electric.
Its unladen weight ranges between 10,950 and 11,140 kg, with a vehicle gross weight limit of 20 tonnes and a gross combination weight of 44 tonnes in accordance with European regulations. However, BYD stated that the model is capable of reaching a gross combination weight of up to 65 tonnes.
Notably, this gross weight limit is even higher than that of the Tesla Semi, which has a maximum limit of 40 tonnes (80,000 lbs), even though the Tesla Semi has a lighter unladen weight of 9,100 kg.
BYD has not yet announced the price for the ETT 44, which is expected to begin operating on European roads in the coming months. However, the company has confirmed a standard battery warranty of 10 years or 1.2 million km, providing assurance to potential owners.