BYD Pulls Covers Off ETT 44 Electric Heavy Truck in Hannover, Outspecing the European Tesla Semi

BYD has taken the wraps off its ETT 44 heavy electric truck at the IAA Transportation 2026 show in Hannover. Built for long-haul work, the rig runs a single motor rated at up to 1,006 hp with 4x2 drive, fed by a choice of two LFP Blade batteries — 434 kWh or 651 kWh — delivering 400 km and 600 km of range respectively.

Measured against the Tesla Semi offered in Europe, the Chinese truck comes out ahead on three counts: 600 km of range versus 550 km, peak charging of 1,500 kW versus 800 kW, and a combined 44-tonne weight with trailer versus 40 tonnes. Tesla's sole advantage is curb weight — about 9.1 tonnes empty, roughly two tonnes lighter than the BYD. Using a compatible MCS charger, a 20-to-80-percent top-up takes around 20 minutes, per BYD.

The truck stretches 6.4 meters long, 2.53 meters wide and 3.82 meters tall on a 3.8-meter wheelbase. EU rules cap the truck-plus-trailer weight at 44 tonnes, though BYD claims it can technically handle up to 65 tonnes. Inside, drivers get a digital cluster, a 12.8-inch center display, camera-based mirrors in place of glass ones, a sleeper bed behind the seats, air suspension and a suite of driver-assistance systems.

Pricing is still under wraps, but European arrivals are expected within months as part of a launch planned for next year. BYD also intends to build the truck locally in Europe down the line to dodge tariffs — a strategy running in parallel with the passenger-car plant it is erecting in Hungary. The battery carries a 10-year or 1.2-million-km warranty.