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

Photo of truck dealership with pond in foreground
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 30, 2026

Rush Expands Gulf Coast Peterbilt Network With Louisiana Acquisition

The expanded Rush network gives fleets additional sales, service, leasing and collision repair support across Louisiana's major trucking markets.

Read More →
Shell Rotella SuperRigs 2026
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 29, 2026

Photos: Shell SuperRigs Light Up Bristol Tennessee

Kenny Ziglar II of Rawlins, Wyo., captured Best of Show honors for the second consecutive year with his 2007 Peterbilt 379, nicknamed “Scrapin By,” at the 44th Annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs competition held June 25-27 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn.

Read More →
Waabi-Volvo autonomous VNL truck.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 26, 2026

Waabi, Volvo Claim Breakthrough in Scaling Autonomous Trucking

Waabi says its AI-powered virtual driver successfully transferred to Volvo Autonomous Solutions' Volvo VNL Autonomous platform without retraining or additional data, a milestone the companies say could dramatically accelerate commercialization of autonomous trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
2026 Mack Pioneer
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 25, 2026

Why the Mack Pioneer Signals a New Era in Class 8 Truck Design

After a public-road drive through eastern Pennsylvania, one thing became clear: Mack's new Pioneer isn't simply packed with technology -- it's been engineered around the driver in ways that could redefine long-haul trucking.

Read More →
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie on Mack Defense order.
EquipmentJune 23, 2026

Mack Defense Secures $47 Million to Continue Military Dump Truck Production

President Trump visited Mack Defense’s Macungie, Pennsylvania, facility on June 23 to tout a $47 million Heavy Dump Truck order.

Read More →
Mack Truck Museum, Allentown, PA.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 23, 2026

New (Antique) Trucks Take the Spotlight at the Mack Trucks Museum

The Mack Trucks Historical Museum has a slate of new historic vehicles on display this year.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of toy truck on top of 100-dollar bills, with logos for Wex and TFS Financial
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseJune 23, 2026

WEX, TFS Launch Equipment Financing Program for Trucking Fleets

The companies say the program uses technology to connect fleets with financing providers more efficiently than traditional lending channels.

Read More →
Line of vintage trucks
EquipmentJune 19, 2026

Historic, Vintage, and Antique Trucks at the 2026 ATHS Convention

More than 500 trucks were on display, indoors and out, at the 2026 American Historical Society annual convention in Springfield, Missouri.

Read More →
Illustration showing DEF tank and Detroit engine
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeJune 18, 2026

DTNA Software Update Gives Truckers More Time Before DEF Derates Take Effect

The changes reflect EPA guidance aimed at reducing downtime caused by emissions-system faults while maintaining compliance requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
photo of a military truck with "Great American Trucks" wording on top of red-white-and-blue background.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsJune 16, 2026

Great American Trucks: The International MaxxPro MRAP

Built from an International WorkStar chassis and powered by a MaxxForce diesel, the MaxxPro MRAP became one of the most important military trucks of the Iraq War era.

Read More →