Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Lion Electric Unveils Class 8 Electric Tractor

“This isn’t just a truck, it’s a powerhouse on wheels,” said Nick Bruni of The Lion Electric Co. unveiling its new heavy-duty electric tractor at ACT Expo.

May 23, 2024
Battery-electric Lion8 Tractor with trailer at loading dock.

The Lion8 Tractor features a 6x4 axle configuration with two integrated 2-speed eAxles.

Photo: The Lion Electric Co.

2 min to read


The Lion Electric Company unveiled the Lion8 Tractor, an all-electric Class 8 commercial truck, during the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas.

The Lion8 Tractor, which is expected to be commercially available mid-2024, offers the highest gross combination weight rating (GCWR) in the EV truck sector, boasting up to 127,000 pounds, according to the company.

Ad Loading...

“Today we’re not just unveiling a new commercial truck. We're introducing a game-changer in freight transportation,” said Nick Bruni, Lion Electric senior vice president, to reporters in Las Vegas.

“The Lion8 Tractor truck clearly sets a new standard in the EV truck market. We’re combining performance, quality, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and like all of our vehicles, it is purpose-built for electric and to meet and exceed, we hope, the demands of the operators.”

battery-electric Lion8 Tractor during ACT Expo unveiling

Nick Bruni, Lion Electric senior vice president, introduces the battery-electric Lion8 Tractor to reporters in Las Vegas.

Photo: Jack Roberts

About the Lion8 Tractor Electric Heavy-Duty Truck

“This isn’t just a truck, it’s a powerhouse on wheels,” Bruni said following the unveiling of the truck.

Ad Loading...

The first of Lion Electric’s vehicles to use its proprietary Heavy-Duty battery packs, a battery capacity of up to 630 kWh provides a range of up to 275 miles. Charging to 80% SOC (state of charge) at max power can be accomplished in approximately 1.5 hours.

The truck features Lion’s high-energy-density proprietary 750V battery system and standard Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) compatibility.

The Lion8 Tractor features a 6x4 axle configuration with two integrated 2-speed eAxles. The Lion-engineered cab-forward design provides optimal driver visibility and maneuverability, according to company officials.

Additional features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and an onboard weighing system further enhance safety and efficiency.

Lion Electric’s Commercial EV Experience and Support

Lion Electric has been working on the development of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles for 15 years, according to the company, and it offers a portfolio of Class 5-8 electric commercial vehicles in North America.

Ad Loading...

Lion has more than 2,000 vehicles on the road, with over 25 million miles driven.

Battery-electric Lion8 Tractor with trailer at The Lion Electric headquarters.

The first of Lion Electric’s vehicles to use its proprietary Heavy-Duty battery packs, a battery capacity of up to 630 kWh provides a range of up to 275 miles.

Photo: The Lion Electric Co.

Fleets customers considering the Lion8 Tractor have direct access to the Lion Customer Success team, who are experts in supporting the transition to zero emissions. The support includes:

  • Charging infrastructure with LionEnergy.

  • Financing assistance with LionCapital Solutions.

  • Funding support services provided by the LionGrants team.

  • Driver/maintenance/safety training from LionAssistance.

  • Proprietary EV telematics with LionBeat.

“The Lion8 Tractor embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility in modern freight transportation,” stated Marc Bedard, CEO-Founder of Lion, in a news release. “Our purpose-built electric vehicles stand as the cornerstone of our vision for a sustainable future.”

More Equipment

wide angle photo of trade show booth with big "Mack" sign above, red Mack truck in the foreground
Equipment•by Deborah Lockridge•October 20, 2026

Trucks at ATA's 2026 MC&E in Charlotte, North Carolina [Photos]

From rigs decked out in patriotic America's 250 paint schemes to autonomous trucks and more, check out these photos from ATA's 2026 Management Conference & Exhibition.

Read More →
2027 HDT Top 20 Products logo beside “Nominations Open” text and images of 2026 award winners: a Cummins engine, Lytx dash cam, and Michelin truck tire.
Equipment•by Staff•October 16, 2026

Help HDT Find Trucking’s Top Products

Have you come across a new product that could make a difference for trucking fleets? Nominate it for HDT’s 2027 Top 20 Products Awards by November 9.

Read More →
Yellow Volvo VNS heavy-haul sleeper truck with rugged tires and prominent grille, parked at night on a snow-covered lot beside a black truck, with a Volvo construction machine on a trailer behind it.
Equipment•by Wayne Parham•October 14, 2026

Volvo Unveils New VNX Heavy-Haul and Vocational Truck

Volvo Trucks has launched the VNX, a new vocational truck also available as a tractor in day cab and two sleeper configurations, with one heavy-haul model. The Volvo VNX is powered by Volvo's D13 platform, which delivers up to 540 horsepower and 1,950 pound-feet of torque and is EPA 2027-compliant.  

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Youtube thumbnail showing two people with a truck and the word "fuel" behind them, the HDT Talks Trucking logo, and the words "Small Gains. Big Savings."
Fuel Smarts•by Deborah Lockridge•October 12, 2026

How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time

What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.

Read More →
Photo of electric OrangeEV terminal tractor with a Lazer Logistics trailer
Equipment•by Staff•October 6, 2026

Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots

Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.

Read More →
Two truck tires with a muted highway background
Maintenance•by News/Media Release•October 2, 2026

Continental Introduces New Regional Truck Tires

Continental says its new Generation 5 steer and drive tires for regional operations offer longer tread life, with estimated mileage gains of 22% and 19%, respectively.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Interior of freight cargo trailer or body with translucent roof letting in daylight
Equipment•by News/Media Release•October 1, 2026

Tekmodo Introduces CargoBright Brand for Translucent Trailer Roofs

CargoBright is designed to diffuse daylight across the cargo area while performing as a working vehicle roof.

Read More →
White Tesla Semi electric truck on display on a show floor
Equipment•by Staff•September 30, 2026

Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook

ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.

Read More →
Red highway tractor pulling white trailer with red logo identifying Kodiak.
Equipment•by News/Media Release•September 28, 2026

Kodiak Targets Dallas–Houston for Driverless Trucks

The company says its autonomous trucks are completing the I-45 run without a safety observer taking control. It plans to remove the observer by the end of 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Red kodiak autonomous truck with trailer driving through Fresno arch
Equipment•by News/Media Release•September 25, 2026

Kodiak Hauls Produce in California Autonomous Truck Pilot

Kodiak AI and DTL Transport have begun hauling produce between Fresno and Los Angeles under California’s new rules for testing heavy-duty autonomous trucks. A safety driver remains behind the wheel.

Read More →