Hexagon Purus and Hino Trucks unveil Tern, the new zero-emission truck
OSLO, NORWAY: Hexagon Purus, in collaboration with Hino Trucks, has unveiled ‘Tern’ – a brand dedicated to zero-emission trucks. The announcement was made at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, marking the launch of their first vehicle, the RC8.
This battery electric Class 8 tractor is specifically designed for the U.S. market and is a testament to Hexagon Purus’ extensive experience in developing zero-emission drivetrains for heavy-duty trucks.
The RC8 is the fruit of a lucrative long-term agreement between the two companies, potentially worth $2 billion. It represents a major stride in providing the U.S. commercial vehicle sector with a smooth transition to electrification. The Tern RC8, which will be manufactured at Hexagon Purus’ new facility in Dallas, Texas, is set to enter serial production towards the end of 2024.
The RC8 is built upon Hino’s reliable XL Series 4×2 chassis and incorporates Hexagon Purus’ advanced zero-emission technology. It boasts proprietary battery systems, auxiliary modules, and power modules. The vehicle’s assembly involves a U.S.-made Hino chassis, an e-Axle from Dana for enhanced efficiency, and Panasonic Energy-supplied battery cells, which will initially be produced in Japan before shifting to De Soto, Kansas in 2026.
Morten Holum, CEO of Hexagon Purus, expressed his enthusiasm for the RC8, highlighting its design that mirrors the Arctic Tern’s remarkable endurance and efficiency. “The Tern RC8 is built to offer the comfort, reliability, and safety that drivers and fleets demand. It’s a practical solution for operators looking to integrate zero-emission trucks into their fleets,” he said.
The Tern RC8 stands out with its industry-leading features:
- A 100% battery-electric platform with a short wheelbase of 165 inches.
- A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 68,000 lbs, suitable for approximately 200 miles on regional city duty cycles, covering 95 percent of use cases.
- Dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538 kWh configuration, ensuring ample power and range.
- A recharge rate of 241 kW.
- Peak/continuous horsepower of 680hp/494hp.
- Peak torque of 38,350 ft/lbs.
Tern trucks will be sold exclusively through the Tern dealer network, with the backing of Hino’s extensive support and service network. The launch is in line with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation and offers fleets a viable option to reduce carbon emissions, particularly for metro-regional routes, food & beverage logistics, and other similar applications.
Glenn Ellis, President of Hino Trucks, commented on the partnership, “Our collaboration with Hexagon Purus brings a highly dependable Class 8, 4×2 tractor to the electric truck market, serving a broad spectrum of applications. The launch of Tern in California is a crucial step in the state’s fleet electrification efforts.”
The debut of the Tern brand marks a transformative moment for both Hexagon Purus and Hino Trucks, as well as the commercial trucking industry at large, steering towards a zero-emission future without sacrificing power or performance.
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