Electric Trucks and Vans: Tesla Semi, Rivian, BYD, Hydrogen — 2026-09-15
The IAA Transportation 2026 show in Hannover has become a pivotal moment for commercial vehicle electrification, with Daimler Truck launching its eActros Lowliner and hydrogen GenH2 series while Tesla confirms European Semi deliveries for 2027. Meanwhile, Amazon has received its first batch of Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks in Germany, signaling a major shift in last-mile and long-haul logistics fleets.
Electric Trucks and Vans: Tesla Semi, Rivian, BYD, Hydrogen — 2026-09-15
Top developments
Daimler Truck Unveils eActros Lowliner and Hydrogen GenH2 at IAA
At the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover (starting this week), Daimler Truck presented its new "three-path" strategy, featuring the public premiere of the battery-electric eActros Lowliner with a 621 kWh battery and the GenH2 Truck with over 1,000 km range. The company announced plans to produce a small series of 100 hydrogen trucks by the end of 2026, backed by hundreds of millions in investment to build European hydrogen infrastructure. This dual approach aims to address both regional delivery needs with BEVs and long-haul freight with hydrogen fuel cells.
BYD Reveals ETT 44 with Megawatt Charging
Chinese manufacturer BYD unveiled the ETT 44, a flagship electric truck featuring a 651 kWh Blade Battery and support for 1.5 MW megawatt charging. The system can refill the battery from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes, offering a 600 km (372-mile) range. This launch positions BYD as a direct competitor to Tesla’s Semi in the European market, with localized production plans announced for Europe to bypass tariffs and reduce logistics costs.
Tesla Confirms European Semi Launch for 2027
Tesla officially confirmed at the IAA Transportation show that its Semi electric truck will enter the European market, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027. The company showcased the vehicle’s specifications, highlighting a trade-off between range and payload compared to US models, while emphasizing compatibility with the emerging megawatt charging network. This announcement follows significant delays but signals Tesla’s intent to capture share in the European heavy-duty sector.
Toyota Secures Hydrogen Fuel Cell Deals with Scania and IVECO
Toyota expanded its hydrogen commercial vehicle footprint at the IAA, announcing deals to supply 40 Scania heavy-duty trucks starting in Q1 2027. Additionally, Toyota is joining the IVECO EMPOWER project targeting 900 km range and taking an equal stake in the fuel cell venture cellcentric alongside Daimler. These moves reinforce hydrogen’s role as a complementary technology to battery-electric solutions for long-haul freight.
Amazon Receives First 27 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Trucks
Mercedes-Benz Trucks delivered the first 27 battery-electric eActros 600 trucks to Amazon in Germany, marking a significant step in the retailer’s European fleet electrification strategy. Amazon plans to deploy more than 50 eActros 600 units on German roads by the end of 2026. This deployment supports Amazon’s broader climate goals and demonstrates the viability of heavy-duty BEVs for high-utilization logistics corridors.
Local view
German media outlets such as FAZ and Tagesschau have focused heavily on the infrastructure challenges facing electric truck adoption. FAZ reports that building sufficient charging stations remains a "drama" for operators like Milence, citing regulatory hurdles and high costs despite EU mandates. Tagesschau highlights Daimler’s strategic pivot, noting that while the company invests hundreds of millions in hydrogen, it maintains a dual-track approach to ensure climate compliance without betting entirely on unproven hydrogen supply chains.
Context & numbers
- Battery Capacity: BYD ETT 44 features a 651 kWh battery; Daimler eActros Lowliner uses 621 kWh.
- Charging Speed: BYD claims 20 minutes for 20-80% charge at 1.5 MW; Tesla Semi supports 1.2 MW megawatt charging.
- Fleet Sizes: Amazon is deploying 50+ eActros 600s in Germany by end-2026; Einride has an order for 500 Tesla Semis.
- Hydrogen Targets: Daimler plans 100 hydrogen trucks by end-2026; Toyota to supply 40 Scania trucks in 2027.
- Market Share: In H1 2026, new commercial vehicle registrations in Europe saw trucks rise +9.8% year-on-year.
On the radar
- IAA Transportation 2026: The show continues through September 2026, with further announcements expected from Volvo and Traton regarding autonomous electric pilots.
- Einride Deliveries: CEO updates suggest approximately 75 Tesla Semis will be delivered to Einride by the end of 2026, with the remainder of the 500-unit order arriving in 2027.
- EU CO2 Standards: Industry groups are lobbying for clearer definitions on how hydrogen and renewable fuels count toward fleet emission targets, a key factor for Daimler and Volvo’s long-term planning.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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