New Class 8 Electric Truck from Hino and Hexagon Purus – Equipment

A new Class 8 battery-electric truck brand is entering the U.S. market, the product of a long-term agreement between Hino Trucks and Hexagon Purus.

Launched at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, Tern is a dedicated zero-emission truck brand. Its first vehicle model, the RC8, is a battery-electric Class 8 tractor tailored for the U.S. market.

Hexagon Purus, according to the announcement, has years of development of zero-emission drivetrains for heavy-duty trucks.

Built on Hino’s XL Series 4×2 chassis and equipped with Hexagon Purus’ zero-emission technology, Tern features proprietary battery systems, auxiliary modules, and power modules.

Hino displayed an early development prototype of its heavy-duty electric truck at the ACT Expo last year.

More About the Tern RC8 Electric Truck

The new Tern RC8 uses a U.S.-assembled Hino chassis, an e-Axle from Dana, and battery cells supplied by Panasonic Energy. The batteries will be manufactured initially in Japan, before transitioning to De Soto, Kansas, starting in 2026.

Manufactured in Hexagon Purus’ new facility in Dallas, Texas, the Tern RC8 is scheduled for serial production in late 2024.

“Tern RC8 delivers the comfort, reliability and safety that drivers and fleets want, and it’s purpose-built to be a very practical truck for operators integrating zero-emission trucks into their fleets,” said Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus.

“We are excited to introduce a truck that embodies the endurance and efficiency of the Arctic Tern, renowned for its light weight and long migratory journey — a trusty companion you can always rely on.”

Key Features of the Tern RC8 Battery-Electric Truck include:

• A 100% battery-electric platform with an industry-leading short wheelbase of 165 inches
• A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 68,000 lbs. targeting applications of approximately 200 miles in regional city duty cycles, addressing 95% of use cases, according to the announcement.
• Dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538 kWh configuration, providing substantial power and range for targeted duty cycles
• Recharge rate of 241 kW
• Peak/continuous horsepower of 680hp/494hp
• Peak torque 38,350 ft/lbs.

Tern trucks will be available exclusively through the Tern dealer network and will use Hino’s network for total support and service.

This launch aligns with the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation in California and gives fleets another option to decarbonize their supply chain, especially in target applications like metro-regional routes, food and beverage logistics, and similar routes where the tight turning radius and 4×2 chassis offer practical benefits.

“Our partnership with Hexagon Purus introduces a highly reliable Class 8, 4×2 tractor option into the electric truck market, catering to a wide range of applications,” said Glenn Ellis, president of Hino Trucks. “We are excited to see Tern launched in California, where fleet electrification is imperative.”