The Chinese vehicle manufacturer BYD has introduced its new 19-tonne ETH8 electric truck to the European market at the IAA Transportation 2024 event. This marks a significant step in BYD’s expansion strategy within Europe. The ETH8 is engineered to cater to both urban and long-haul transport needs, boasting innovative design and advanced technology. Furthermore, it incorporates features aimed at enhancing both driver comfort and operational efficiency. This launch could potentially reshape the heavy-duty electric vehicle landscape in Europe.
The introduction of the BYD ETH8 at the IAA Transportation 2024 underscores the Chinese manufacturer’s ambition to establish a stronger foothold in Europe’s commercial vehicle market. Since its inception in 1995, BYD has evolved into one of the leading producers of electric vehicles globally, having extended its reach to over 90 countries. The ETH8 represents the company’s latest foray into the European truck market, designed to meet the demands of both urban delivery and long-haul transport, built on BYD’s proprietary eTruck Platform.
The ETH8’s versatile chassis can be customised for varying operational needs, offering two wheelbase options to accommodate different transport requirements. This adaptability is pivotal for operators who need a vehicle capable both within city limits and on more challenging routes. The truck features a four-speed gearbox designed to optimise energy usage, enabling businesses to balance energy consumption with performance needs effectively.
Designed by Wolfgang Egger, who has a remarkable history of acclaimed designs at Audi and Alfa Romeo, the ETH8’s aesthetic merges functionality with style to appeal to European fleet operators. The external design is marked by the unique X-shaped front and a ‘diving waistline’, complete with low-energy ‘Angel Eyes’ LED headlights. Inside, the cockpit prioritises driver comfort, significant in a market grappling with driver shortages. The interior includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, multifunctional steering wheel, ample storage, and a sleeping cabin, all designed to reduce driver fatigue on extended journeys.
The ETH8’s powertrain is developed exclusively in-house by BYD, integrating a 5-in-1 motor controller system that consolidates various components into a singular unit, thereby simplifying maintenance and minimising vehicle downtime. The innovative e-Axle merges the axle with a two-speed gearbox, offering over 90% energy efficiency from battery to powertrain. This feature, along with regenerative braking, extends the vehicle’s operational range whilst simultaneously maintaining performance standards.
Equipped with iron-phosphate battery technology, the ETH8 is not only safer but also environmentally considerate as it lacks cobalt. The battery can be charged from 20% to 100% in merely two hours, supporting a range of approximately 250 kilometres. These capabilities are complemented by advanced safety features such as a body controller system and a Smart Pad touchscreen, providing real-time vehicle status updates to drivers and fleet managers alike. Such integrations mark a stride towards enhancing both efficiency and safety within the sector.
BYD’s ETH8 introduces a versatile and efficient option for European fleet operators, setting a new standard in electric commercial vehicles.
