While many view passenger vehicle manufacturers as the primary leaders in alternative fuel development, the commercial truck industry has long been a leader of developed technologies for reduced emissions. Commercial truck OEMs have introduced idle reduction features like engine start/stop to limit legacy engine emissions, developed diesels with electric-assist hybrid technology, integrated natural gas (LNG/CNG), adapted hydrogen fuel cell technology for OTR applications and all major US OEMs have developed electrification solutions.
Hino Trucks added the L6e and L7e Series fully electric straight trucks to their model line-up earlier this year. Built on Hino’s reputation for engineering and durability, the Le Series features an air‑ride cab that delivers a professional driver experience along with performance customers expect. At the same time, the Le Series supports fleets with GHG reduction goals in parallel with delivering their demanding use-case duty cycles.
“Introducing the Le Series is an important step in our efforts to reduce environmental impact and support our customers’ sustainability goals,” says Rodney Shaffer, vice-president, national accounts and zero emission vehicles of Hino Trucks. “We’ve focused on delivering a solution that builds on our proven platform and is well-suited for the applications where electric vehicles make the most sense, helping fleets take practical and meaningful steps toward lower emissions.”
MOTOR AND BATTERY
As the Le Series was just unveiled recently, full specifications will be available soon, but here is what we know so far. The model will be available in L6e and L7e (Class 6/7 respectively) configurations. The Le Series offers 260 kW and 348 horsepower of peak power and 180 kW and 241hp continuous power through an integrated two-speed automatic transmission, from Accelera’s Integrated e-Axle 14Xe Gen 4.5 motor.
The battery system is a Hexagon Purus ProPack mated to Panasonic Energy lithium-ion battery cells, which offers max battery capacity of 269 kWh (238 kWh useable) and up to 750 volts of total system voltage. Charging the battery can be accomplished on a maximum 120kW DC fast charger (CCS Type 1), which takes approximately 1.8 hours (zero to 80 percent). An 80-amp 240V Level 2 charger (19.2 kW max) can charge the vehicle in approximately 9.2 hours (zero to 80 percent).
CAPACITIES AND FEATURES
The GVWR for the Le Series is 25,950lbs (L6e) to 33,000lbs (L7e), with a front axle rating of 12,500lbs, and a rear axle rating of 23,000lbs. Available wheelbases are 253″ and 271″ (185.5″ / 203.8″ cab-to-axle). The bumper-to-back-of-cab (BBC) measurement is 109.6”.
Standard features on all models will include Bendix air disc brakes (ADB22X), Bendix AD-IS air dryer, dash mounted push button electronic gear shift, four-way adjustable air suspension driver’s seat with arm rest, two-man bench passenger seat. Hino has announced that all Le Series models will come standard with a collision mitigation system and lane departure warning; HV safety continuous HVIL and emergency active discharge; and ABS with automatic traction control and electronic stability control.
ADVANTAGES
Le Series’ lighter weight in its BEV classes enables customers to carry more payload. With practically clean frame rails, upfitters have the real estate they need to design what their customers uniquely require.
With 10 selectable regenerative braking levels, drivers can fine-tune the braking level to maximize power regeneration (range), maintain safe operating speeds on varying grades, and minimize accelerator inputs in changing traffic conditions.
The Le Series low voltage system utilizes Smart-Awake active 12V management to wake up when not in operation, check the 12V battery charge, and use the HV batteries to charge the 12V if needed.
Further, HinoWatch+ is standard on all Le Series models, offering five years of roadside assistance with unlimited miles. Coverage includes limited towing to the nearest Hino dealer for warrantable repairs, helping support uptime throughout the vehicle’s early service life.
ARRIVING IN THE FALL
Hino has announced that production of the Le Series is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2026.
