BYD advances in electric trucks and bets on a new generation of trucks in Brazil

A BYD discreetly began the first tests with heavy electric trucks in Brazil, in a move that signals its entry into one of the most complex segments of the electrification of road transport.

According to Bruno Paiva, director of sales of trucks and bus chassis at the company, to Agência Transporte Moderno, around ten 100% electric mechanical horses already operate at the automaker’s factory in Bahia, carrying out internal cargo handling activities.

The vehicles, in the 6×2 configuration, are not yet adapted to the Brazilian market and are part of a technical validation stage. Although the company has not yet confirmed a commercial launch for the heavy segment, tests show that the manufacturer is already strategically positioned to compete for space in the national electric truck market.

Strategy changes from bus to truck

The move represents a new phase of BYD’s strategy in Brazil. After consolidating its presence in the electric bus segment in cities such as São Paulo, Goiânia, Salvador e São José dos Camposthe company is now focusing its efforts on cargo transportation.

“Now the truck’s time has come,” stated Bruno Paiva, highlighting that the company chose to advance gradually in a market still considered to be in formation.

Today, the automaker’s operations in the country are concentrated in the light and medium segments, with three models available in the portfolio.

The T5 model will be replaced by the T75, which is already open for orders and should begin delivery in the second half of 2026. The updated T18 and T23 trucks are scheduled to arrive from 2027 onwards.

Furthermore, the company is preparing to enter a new niche with a 3.5 ton vehicle aimed at urban distribution, a segment currently contested by models such as the Hyundai HR.

Next generation may use Blade battery

One of the main points of BYD’s strategy involves the technological advancement of batteries.

Although the company has not yet officially confirmed, an investigation by Agência Transporte Moderno indicates that the brand’s next electric trucks in Brazil may use the Blade battery, the same technology already used in the manufacturer’s electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

In the Brazilian market, this battery already equips models such as BYD Dolphin Mini, BYD Dolphin, Seal WORLD, BID Yuan Plus e WORLD of Fire.

The technology is considered one of the pillars of the company’s strategy as it offers greater safety, durability and energy efficiency.

According to sources linked to the sector, future trucks will be able to operate with ultra-fast charging systems capable of reducing charging time to around ten minutes — an advance considered decisive in expanding the use of electric vehicles in medium-distance operations and more intensive logistics.

Market is still in its initial phase

Despite the advancement of electrification, the Brazilian electric truck market is still in its early stages.

BYD has sold approximately 60 units of the T18 model in the country to date, while other vehicles still register reduced volumes.

According to the company, the maturation of the market is now beginning to gather pace, driven by greater discussion about sustainability, emissions reduction and logistical efficiency.

At the same time, the sector faces important challenges such as charging infrastructure, operational costs and regulatory predictability.

The possible increase in import tariffs from 2026 is also seen as a risk factor for the growth of the segment, which could directly impact prices and demand.

Chinese competition increases dispute

The competition in the Brazilian electric truck market is also likely to become more intense in the coming years.

In addition to BYD, Chinese manufacturers such as Photos, Number e XCMG expand their presence in the country and accelerate investments in the electrified vehicle segment.

In this scenario, competition must involve not only price, but also product quality, technical assistance network and after-sales structure.

The possibility of installing a BYD truck factory in Brazil remains under evaluation, but still depends on a larger market scale and predictability of demand.

For the automaker, the current moment represents only the beginning of a structural transformation in road transport.

“We are seeing the photo now, but the film is still going to be filmed. In the next five years we will understand which products will be consolidated”, stated Bruno Paiva.