Hyliion Launches Fully Electric Powertrain with 1,000-Truck Pre-Order

Hyliion Inc., looking to make its own claim in the Class 8 electrified market, launched its Hypertruck Electric Range Extender (ERX), a long-haul, fully electric powertrain, with an order from logistics company Agility for 1,000 trucks.

Agility will also invest in a private offering of securities by Tortoise Acquisition Corporation in connection with Hyliion’s recently announced merger.

“We’re already seeing robust interest in the Hypertruck ERX from fleets like Agility who are looking for electric solutions that can be seamlessly integrated,” said Hyliion’s CEO and founder, Thomas Healy.

With the combination of a fully electric drivetrain and a natural gas-powered onboard generator to recharge the battery, the Hypertruck ERX boasts more than 1,000 miles of range. The powertrain also produces electricity locally at roughly 30% less than the average grid cost, yielding a seven-year cost-of-ownership.

“It’s a triple win: protect the environment, keep customers happy and benefit shareholders by improving the bottom line. We look forward to bringing significant cost savings and greater efficiency to our customers,” said Tarek Sultan, vice chairman and CEO of Agility.

The Hypertruck ERX is also being touted as the only electric Class 8 truck that achieves a net-negative greenhouse gas emissions footprint by using renewable natural gas, which is currently available at about 700 stations across the U.S. It will achieve 25 miles of pure electric vehicle range in compliance with cities adopting zero-emissions zones or rules. The truck’s low carbon footprint is further enhanced by the system’s machine learning algorithm, which optimizes energy efficiency, emissions, performance and predictive maintenance schedules, according to the company.

The Hypertruck ERX will also feature Dana’s electric motor, inverter, and axle technologies, with Dana planning to provide its manufacturing capabilities to support Hyliion in achieving full volume production of its powertrain systems. Initial Hypertruck ERX fleet demonstration vehicles have already been allocated to customers for delivery in 2021, with volume shipments scheduled in 2022.