BYD to launch Europe heavy trucks next year

BYD executive vice president Stella Li said at IAA Transportation in Hanover on September 14 that the company will launch its first heavy-duty truck in Europe next year and ultimately build trucks locally to avoid import tariffs. The flagship ETT 44 is a 4x2 tractor for combinations up to 44 tonnes, with a 651 kWh Blade Battery, up to 600 km of range, and more than 1.5 MW charging that BYD says can take the pack from 20% to 80% in about 20 minutes. Li also said passenger-car mass production at the Szeged, Hungary plant is due to start next year, as BYD pitches fleets a package of financing, charging and workshops.