Hexagon Purus, in partnership with Hino Trucks, launched Tern, a dedicated zero-emission truck brand along with the inaugural vehicle model, the RC8, a battery-electric Class 8 tractor tailored for the US market. This semi-tractor leverages Hexagon Purus’ years of development of zero-emission drivetrains for heavy-duty trucks. (Earlier post.)

A product of the new long-term agreement between Hexagon Purus and Hino Trucks, valued at up to approximately $2 billion, Tern is designed to deliver a seamless transition to electrification for the US commercial vehicle sector. Manufactured in Hexagon Purus’ new facility in Dallas, Texas, the Tern RC8 is scheduled for serial production in late 2024.

The vehicle leverages a US-assembled Hino XL Series 4x2 chassis, an e-Axle from Dana, and battery cells supplied and manufactured by Panasonic Energy initially in Japan, before transitioning to De Soto, Kansas from 2026 onwards.

Key features of the Tern RC8 include:

• A 100% battery-electric platform with an industry-leading short wheelbase of 165 inches.

• A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 68,000 lbs. targeting applications of approximately 200 miles in regional city duty cycles, addressing 95 percent of use cases.

• Dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538 kWh configuration, providing substantial power and range for targeted duty cycles.

• Recharge rate of 241 kW.

• Peak/continuous horsepower of 680hp/494hp.

• Peak torque 38,350 ft/lbs.

Tern trucks will be available exclusively through the Tern dealer network and will leverage Hino’s network ensuring total support and service. This launch aligns with the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation in California and gives fleets an excellent option to decarbonize their supply chain, especially in target applications like metro-regional routes, food & beverage logistics and similar routes where the tight turning radius and popular 4x2 chassis offer practical benefits.