Hino Trucks announced electric versions of its M- and L-Series medium-duty trucks. They will be available in 2024 and integrate the SEA-Drive power system from Australia’s SEA Electric.
The Hino Class 5 M5e cabover and Class 6 L6e conventional models come equipped with battery capacities of 138kWh and 220kWh battery capacities, respectively.
“Starting in 2024, Advanced Clean Truck mandates are starting to kick off in California, which are growing the demand for electric vehicles,” said Glenn Ellis, president of Hino Trucks.
Hino Trucks’ national dealer network already has high-voltage training from its previous hybrid trucks. The network is capable of serving electric vehicles safely and efficiently. The company is building Hino INCLUSEV, an end-to-end infrastructure that includes consulting, sales, single-source financing, support and service.
At the event, Japan’s Isuzu also announced its first medium-duty electric truck, the N-Series EV.
The 2025 model year Class 5 truck features a full 8845kg vehicle weight rating, a battery-electric platform developed by Isuzu Motors Ltd. and an all-new cab design. It goes on sale in the first half of 2024.
“As we look at the regulatory landscape ahead of us, we know that the demand for a medium-duty truck powered by electricity is going to increase dramatically,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada.
The low cab forward N-Series EV will be available in Canada and Japan along with the U.S. — the first time Isuzu has introduced a new model in three markets simultaneously.
Isuzu will offer four choices of batteries with a driving range from 66 to 378 kilometres between chargings. DC fast charging and Level 2 AC charging are available. The company offers three-, five-, seven- and nine-20kWh battery packs. AC Level 2 charging time ranges from 5.5 to 10 hours. DC fast-charging ranges from 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the number of packs.
The NRR EV joins Isuzu’s medium-duty Class 3, 4 and 5-s low-cab-forward trucks powered by a 6.6-liter gasoline-fueled V8 engine. Class 4 and 5 N-Series models feature Isuzu’s 4HK1-TC turbo diesel. Class 6 and 7 F-Series models come with the Cummins B6.7 diesel under the cab.
