BYD has sparked significant interest in 2024 by introducing several electric car models to Europe. In September 2024, it is doubling down at the IAA in Hannover, unveiling a small but comprehensive range of fully electric commercial vehicles. The lineup consists of a van, two chassis cabs, and a yard tractor. The lightest vehicle, named the E-vali, has a gross weight ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 tons and a driving range between 200 and 250 kilometers, depending on usage. BYD states that the E-vali is designed specifically for the European market, particularly for last-mile delivery services.
The E-vali's battery, cobalt-free and utilizing LFP (lithium iron phosphate) technology, can charge from 10% to 80% in about thirty minutes. It powers a rear electric motor rated at 150 kW, and with the addition of a 100 kW front motor, the vehicle can be equipped with all-wheel drive. The van offers a useful cargo volume of up to 17.9 cubic meters and a payload of up to 1,450 kg (in the 4.25-ton version). Loading is facilitated by a sliding side door and rear doors.
Moving up the range, the Byd ETM6 weighs in at 7.5 tons with a full-load range of 200 kilometers. Its 126 kWh LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery can be charged in one hour, powering a 150 kW electric motor with a maximum torque of 550 Nm. This chassis cab model can be adapted for various configurations.
The second chassis cab unveiled at IAA 2024, named the ETH8, has a gross weight of 19 tons and a range of 250 km under full load. The battery can be recharged from 20% to 100% in two hours. This model features an integrated electric motor in the axle, designed entirely by BYD, connected to a two-speed transmission.
BYD is also entering the yard tractor niche, introducing the fully electric Eyt 2.0. This vehicle, designed for hauling semi-trailers in ports and logistics hubs, offers a towing capacity of up to 75 tons and a range of 16 hours on a single charge. Compared to its predecessor, which has not been seen in Europe, the Eyt 2.0 features a new design, improved efficiency, and has been specifically tailored for the European market.
