HINO Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, has announced an expansion of its product range to include electric vehicles (EVs). During a press conference at NTEA Work Truck Week, the company revealed plans to offer an electric version of their M- and L- Series medium duty trucks branded Me Series and Le Series, available from 2024. The new EVs will integrate SEA Electric’s SEA-Drive® power system, and Hino Trucks will begin production soon.
The Hino Class 5 M5e cab over and Class 6 L6e conventional models debuted during the show, and come equipped with battery capacities of 138kW/h and 220kW/h respectively. “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 EV’s to evaluate operational capabilities. Over the past several years, we have made significant strides in the push toward electrification,” said Glenn Ellis, President of Hino Trucks.
Hino Trucks’ national dealer network is well prepared for the coming changes. Each dealer is already high-voltage trained from Hino’s previous hybrid product and is capable of servicing electric vehicles safely and efficiently. 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.
“Hino Trucks is committed to delivering vehicles that provide our customers a sustainable option,” said John Donato, Sr Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “With the support of Hino Edge telematics metrics and driver behaviors, 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.”
The company’s strategic collaboration with SEA Electric is part of its plan to provide powertrain options to meet the needs of its customers and markets throughout the United States. Hino Trucks is developing a full range of electric vehicles to meet growing customer demand.
Hino Trucks’ product lineup offers fully connected vehicles with a low total cost of ownership, unmatched reliability, maneuverability, and the most comprehensive bundle of standard features in the market. With the support of Hino Edge telematics metrics and driver behaviors, the company developed its strategy and best fit for its initial EV vocational offerings to include delivery and final mile applications.
