The IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover shows where heavy trucks are headed. The focus is on larger batteries, longer ranges, and significantly higher charging capacities. At the same time, some manufacturers are sticking with hydrogen for certain long-distance transport applications.
BYD presented the ETT 44, an electric tractor unit up to 44 tons. The manufacturer cites a 651-kilowatt-hour battery and a range of up to 600 kilometers. With 1.5 megawatts of charging power, the battery should reach 80 percent from 20 percent in approximately 20 minutes. This would add around 400 kilometers of range.
Daimler Truck showcased the Mercedes-Benz eActros Lowliner for volume-oriented transports and the hydrogen-powered NextGenH2 Truck. This approach shows the manufacturer is not relying on just one technology. Battery trucks are particularly suited for planned operations with reliable charging windows. Hydrogen could offer advantages for very long distances and short refueling stops, but it also requires expensive infrastructure development.
For transport companies, the manufacturer's stated range is only part of the equation. Payload, topography, winter conditions, refrigeration, speed, and waiting times all affect consumption. A 1.5-megawatt charging station also requires a strong grid connection, load management, and sufficient available power at the site.
Therefore, the race for the highest numbers is not what matters. What counts are total costs per kilometer, vehicle availability, residual value, and whether charging is actually possible during legally mandated breaks.