Hino Trucks and Hexagon Purus are teaming up to offer a battery-electric Class 8 tractor. Developed to operate on Hino’s XL 4x2 tractor cab chassis, it will use Hexagon Purus’ proprietary zero-emission technology, including battery systems, auxiliary modules, power modules, and the vehicle-level software.

While production specifications are not yet released, targeted applications will see a full day's use on a single charge, according to the company.

Production of this electric heavy-duty model tractor is projected to begin in the last part of 2024. It will be distributed and serviced exclusively through select qualifying dealers within Hino Trucks' U.S. network.

Hino displayed an early development prototype at the ACT Expo show.

The announcement follows the introduction earlier this year of the battery-electric Hino Class 5 M5e cabover and Class 6 L6e conventional models.

“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 BEVs in both the medium- and heavy-duty space as we continue to invest in BEV adoption as the landscape continues to evolve.”

Hino entered the heavy-duty market in 2018, introducing a lineup of Class 7/8 trucks called the XL Series.

At the 2021 ACT Expo, Hino showed a hydrogen fuel-cell-electric prototype version of its Class 8 XL8 truck.