Hino Trucks expands electric truck lineup
Hino Trucks has announced that it will offer an electric version of their M- and L- Series medium-duty trucks branded ‘Me’ Series and ‘Le’ Series available in 2024. Hino Trucks will begin production of these new vehicles integrating SEA Electric’s SEA-Drive power system.
In terms of technical specifications, the electric truck models each feature battery capacities of 138 kWh and 220 kWh, respectively. Hino claims that its dealer network is already well prepared for the changes, as it already maintains high-voltage training from its hybrid products. In addition, the company adds: “To further compliment the EV transition, Hino Trucks is building infrastructure to support these trucks with Hino INCLUSEV, a premier portfolio of end-to-end electric vehicle enablement – exclusively available through Hino’s nationwide dealer network.”
“Starting in 2024, Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) mandates are starting to kick off in California which are growing the demand for electric vehicles (EV), and many of our customers want to add EVs to evaluate operational capabilities. Over the past several years, we have made significant strides in the push toward electrification. This strategic collaboration with SEA Electric is part of our plan to provide powertrain options to meet the needs for our customers and markets throughout the United States,” said Glenn Ellis, President of Hino Trucks.
“With the support of Hino Edge telematics metrics and driver behaviours, we developed our strategy and best fit for our initial EV vocational offerings to include delivery and final mile applications. We’ve got the vehicles. We’ve got the support. We’ve got all the tools needed to help our current and future customers move closer to a cleaner future,” added John Donato, Sr Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
In a similar vein, a partnership between several Japanese vehicle manufacturers, including Isuzu, Toyota, Hino, and the Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation, had announced plans to develop light fuel cell electric trucks for the mass market last summer, which would mean that the manufacturer is rounding out their truck offerings with the newest lineup addition. A bus was also announced in cooperation ith Toyota and Hino in February 2022. A partnership with the Chinese company BYD has been ongoing since April 2020, also focusing on the development of commercial electric vehicles.
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