LAS VEGAS (May 20, 2024) — At the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, Hino Trucks announced that it is the exclusive distributor for Tern, a dedicated zero-emission truck brand, along with their inaugural truck model — the RC8, a battery-electric Class 8 tractor tailored for the U.S. market.
The Tern RC8 is built on Hino’s XL Series 4-by-2 chassis and integrates Hexagon Purus’ zero-emission technology. The RC8’s features include 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 initially in Japan, before transitioning to De Soto, Kansas, from 2026 onward.
Tern 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 2024.
This launch aligns with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets regulation, offering fleets an option to decarbonize, particularly in target applications like metro-regional routes, food and beverage logistics, and similar routes where the tight turning radius and 4-by-2 chassis provide practical benefits.
Key features of the Tern RC8 include:
- A 100% battery-electric platform with a short wheelbase of 165 inches
- A gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 68,000 pounds
- Dual Hexagon Purus Gen3 269-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery packs in a 750-volt, 538kWh configuration, providing substantial power and range for most duty cycles
- Recharge rate of 241 kilowatts, allowing 80% charge in a little under two hours
- Peak/continuous horsepower of 680-horsepower/494-horsepower
Visit hino.com and terntrucks.com.
