Fresh off the debut of two medium duty electric models, Hino Trucks on Tuesday said it has signed a distribution agreement with Hexagon Purus to exclusively distribute a complete battery electric tractor that uses Hexagon Purus' zero-emission technology, including battery systems, auxiliary modules, power modules and vehicle-level software. The system is developed to operate on Hino's XL 4x2 tractor cab chassis.
"Earlier this year, we debuted two new electric vehicles - the Hino Class 5 M5e cab over and Class 6 L6e conventional model. Recent regulations address the need for further reductions in emissions for the transportation sector in the U.S., and will ultimately drive future demand for several classes of zero-emissions commercial vehicles," said Glenn Ellis, President of Hino Trucks. "Our exclusive distribution agreement with Hexagon Purus expands Hino Trucks' capability to distribute BEV's in both the medium- and heavy-duty space as we continue to invest in BEV adoption as the landscape continues to evolve."
Production of the electric heavy-duty tractor is expected to begin late next year, and it will be distributed and serviced through select qualified dealers within Hino Trucks' U.S. network.
Hino did not release production specifications but confirmed targeted applications are those that can get a full day's use on a single charge.
Toyota subsidiary Hino in 2020 paused truck production at its North American plants following certification issues with its diesel engines and in 2021 tapped Cummins to supply diesel engines while Hino focused on battery electric solutions. Hino in 2021 debuted a Class 8 hydrogen tractor concept.
Hino Trucks' battery electric tractor uses Hexagon Purus' zero-emission technology, including battery systems, auxiliary modules, power modules and vehicle-level software. The system is developed to operate on Hino's XL 4x2 tractor cab chassis.Tom Quimby
