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Panasonic batteries power 'Tern' RC8 e-truck by Hexagon Purus and Hino Trucks
Tern 'RC8' Class 8 heavy-duty truck. Source: Hexagon Purus
Panasonic Energy has announced that its lithium-ion batteries will power the new electric truck under the 'Tern' brand, introduced by Hexagon Purus and Hino Trucks, in North America. The brand's first product 'RC8' was unveiled at the recently-held Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas.
For the first time, Panasonic Energy's batteries are used as traction batteries in a commercial vehicle. The company continues to strengthen its lineup of automotive lithium-ion batteries and expand its production capacity. It is currently developing the new "4680" high-capacity lithium-ion battery in Japan.
Panasonic Energy will begin manufacturing batteries for Hexagon Purus' Tern Trucks in Japan before delivering from its new U.S. production facility in De Soto, Kansas, which is currently under construction. Its facility in Sparks, Nevada, is claimed by the company as one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery factories, surpassing nine billion EV battery cells shipped.
"Commercial and heavy-duty transportation represents critical infrastructure for the U.S. economy, and the rapid growth of the commercial EV industry underscores the need for innovative solutions in this sector. Providing batteries for Tern and Hexagon Purus is an important step in helping us to drive the growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and accelerating the transition to zero-emission mobility," said Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO, Panasonic Energy.
The expansion in Kansas facility conveys the battery maker's success in the North American market for EV batteries and its long-term commitment to advancing the EV industry in the United States.
Built on Hino Trucks' proven XL 4x2 chassis and equipped with Hexagon Purus' zero-emission technology, the new Tern RC8 is a pure electric Class 8 tractor, targeting fleet operators in the US and Canadian markets.
The zero-emission truck leverages Hexagon Purus' years of development of zero-emission drivetrains for heavy-duty trucks, and represents a driver-preferred option for fleets that are electrifying practical routes, according to the developer.
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