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Osaka, Japan, May 20, 2024 – Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group Company, announced its lithium-ion batteries will power the new groundbreaking Tern, a dedicated zero-emission truck brand along with their inaugural vehicle model, the RC8, a groundbreaking battery electric Class 8 tractor tailored for the U.S. market. Tern is supplied by Hexagon Purus ASA ("Hexagon Purus"; Oslo, Norway), a world leading manufacturer of zero emission mobility, and Hino Trucks (Novi, Michigan, U.S.) This is the first time Panasonic Energy's batteries are being used in a commercial vehicle. The new truck will be unveiled at the forthcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas.
Today’s announcement extends from Panasonic Energy and Hexagon Purus’ partnership first announced in April 2023 and represents a significant step forward in transitioning the U.S. commercial vehicle sector from fossil fuels to electric power while supporting the establishment of a more American-based supply chain for the industry. Built on Hino Trucks' proven XL 4x2 chassis and equipped with Hexagon Purus' zero-emission technology, this innovative semi-tractor 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. 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.
“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.” - Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO, Panasonic Energy
Heavy duty fleet operators have a pressing need for more innovative platforms to add ZEV capacity to their fleets. Under the Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) standard, introduced by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), 5% of all new class 7 and 8 trucks operating to and from intermodal seaports and railyards are required to be ZEV from 2024. The ACT standard also requires 100 percent of truck manufacturers’ sales in 2040 to come from ZEVs, and has been adopted by seven other states in the U.S. (Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Colorado) Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York) with Maryland and North Carolina in the process of adopting the rule. In addition, according to a study published by market research firm P&S Intelligence, the U.S. electric truck market is expected to reach USD 15,143 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 54% from 2023. Heavy-duty trucks are expected to be the fastest-growing category.
“Panasonic has been a pioneer in making zero-emission mobility available to the mass market, and this, coupled with their reliability and focus on continuous innovation, makes them the ideal partner for Hexagon Purus.” - Morten Holum, CEO, Hexagon Purus
“As the need for zero-emission heavy duty trucking grows, our partnership with Panasonic for the production of Tern strengthens our leading battery system and vehicle integration offering in North America.” - Morten Holum, CEO, Hexagon Purus
Panasonic Energy is a global leader in lithium-ion batteries, with a nearly 100-year history of innovation in batteries spanning both battery cell technology and battery business operations. The company continues to strengthen its lineup of automotive lithium-ion batteries and expand its production capacity, currently developing the new "4680" high-capacity lithium-ion battery in Japan. Panasonic Energy's facility in Sparks, Nevada, is now one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery factories, surpassing nine billion EV battery cells shipped.
The expansion in Kansas builds on its proven success as the North American market leader in EV lithium-ion batteries and long-term commitment to advancing the EV industry in the United States. The factory is also a demonstration of the Panasonic Group’s Green IMPACT initiative, which is aimed at reducing the company’s CO2 emission to virtually net-zero by 2030 and contributing to 300 million tons in avoided emissions by 2050.
About Tern
Tern is a new zero-emission Class 8 truck nameplate born in collaboration between Hexagon Purus, a world leading manufacturer of zero-emission mobility and infrastructure solutions, and Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company. Tern is specifically focused on electrifying practical commercial vehicle applications that yield the most significant benefits to drivers while minimizing or eliminating operational adaptations required by our fleet customers. Learn more at http://www.terntrucks.com and follow @terntrucks on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Hexagon Purus
Hexagon Purus enables zero emission mobility for a cleaner energy future. The company is a world leading provider of hydrogen Type 4 high-pressure cylinders and systems, battery systems and vehicle integration solutions for fuel cell electric and battery electric vehicles. Hexagon Purus' products are used in a variety of applications including light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, buses, ground storage, distribution, refueling, maritime, rail and aerospace. Learn more at http://www.hexagonpurus.com and follow @HexagonPurus on LinkedIn and X.
About Hino Trucks
Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, manufactures, distributes, and services a lineup of Class 4-8 commercial trucks in the United States. Hino Trucks has a product lineup that 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. Hino continues to lead the industry toward a more sustainable future with its evolving electric vehicle lineup. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Hino has a nationwide network of dealers committed to achieving excellence in the ultimate ownership experience. Learn more about Hino Trucks at http://www.hino.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
About Panasonic Energy
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group's switch to an operating company system, provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe, reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas, from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability, and through its business activities the Company aims to address societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/
