Hino Trucks announces distribution agreement for Tern trucks

Novi, Michigan-based Hino Trucks will now be the exclusive distributor for Tern, a dedicated zero-emission truck brand, along with their inaugural truck model, the Tern RC8, a battery electric Class 8 tractor tailored for the U.S. market.

The Tern RC8 is built on Hino’s XL Series 4x2 chassis and integrates zero-emission technology from hydrogen fuel cell systems and infrastructure company Hexagon Purus. RC8 features including proprietary battery systems, auxiliary modules and power modules. The vehicle leverages a U.S.-assembled Hino chassis, Dana’s Zero-8 e-Axle for optimum efficiency, and battery cells supplied and manufactured by Panasonic Energy.

The battery cells will initially be manufactured in Japan before transitioning to manufacturing in De Soto, Kansas, in 2026.

Ten trucks will be exclusively available through select qualifying dealers comprising the Tern dealer network, leveraging Hino Trucks’ infrastructure ensuring total support. Serial production for the Tern RC8 is scheduled for late this year.

The launch aligns with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, offering fleets an option to decarbonize their fleet, particularly in target applications including metro-regional routes, food and beverage logistics and similar routes where the tight turning radius and popular 4x2 chassis provide practical benefits.

“Our collaboration with Hexagon Purus introduces a highly reliable Class 8, 4x2 tractor option into the electric truck market, catering to a wide range of applications,” Hino Trucks President and CEO Glenn Ellis says. “We are excited to be the exclusive distributor for Tern with an initial focus in California, where fleet electrification is imperative.”

Key features of the Tern RC8 include:

• a 100 percent battery-electric platform with a short wheelbase of 165 inches;
• a gross vehicle weight rating of 68,000 pounds;
• dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269 kWh battery packs in a 750-volt, 538Wh configuration;
• recharge rate of 241 kW, allowing 80 percent charge in just under 2 hours; and
• peak/continuous horsepower of 680hp/494 hp.

“Tern RC8 delivers the comfort, reliability and safety that drivers and fleets want, and it’s purpose-built to be a practical truck for operators integrating zero-emission trucks into their fleets,” Hexagon Purus CEO Morten Holum says.