What you need to know:
- Hino Trucks unveils a new battery-electric medium-duty truck at ACT Expo 2026, advancing its zero-emission commercial vehicle strategy and fleet sustainability solutions
- New LE Series includes L6e and L7e models with up to 33,000 lbs GVWR, targeting fleet electrification, medium-duty truck performance, and low-emissions transportation without compromising reliability
- Powered by 269 kWh lithium-ion battery from Panasonic Energy and Hexagon Purus, with DC fast charging (0–80% in under 2 hours) that is ideal for urban delivery fleets and regional haul operations
- Features include an Accelera e-axle delivering up to 348 hp, plus regenerative braking, electric drivetrain efficiency, advanced fleet safety systems, and planned EV truck production Q3 2026
Hino Trucks used the spotlight at the 2026 ACT Expo to unveil a new battery-electric medium-duty truck, signaling its continued push into zero-emission commercial vehicles.
The new Le Series will be offered in two configurations: the L6e, boasting a gross vehicle weight rating of 25,950 pounds, and the heavier-duty L7e, rated at 33,000 pounds. The launch reflects the company's broader effort to help fleet operators cut emissions without sacrificing the performance and reliability typically expected from medium-duty trucks.
Company executives say the Le Series is designed with practical fleet adoption in mind, meaning it targets market applications where electric vehicles can deliver the most immediate benefits.
"Introducing the Le Series is an important step in our efforts to reduce environmental impact and support our customers' sustainability goals," said Rodney Shaffer, vice president, national accounts & 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."
[Related: Hino reaches $236 million settlement with CARB]
The truck is powered by a Hexagon Purus ProPack battery system using lithium-ion cells from Panasonic Energy, delivering 269 kWh of capacity at up to 750 volts. With DC fast-charging capability (CCS Type 1 at 120 kW), the system can recharge from 0 to 80 percent in under two hours, making it viable for many urban and regional routes.
Performance comes from an integrated e-axle supplied by Accelera. The 14Xe Gen 4.5 unit produces up to 348 horsepower of peak output and 241 horsepower continuously, paired with a two-speed automatic transmission. The setup is designed to balance power delivery with efficiency, helping fleets maximize range while maintaining operational productivity.
Additional features include programmable regenerative braking and optimized weight distribution to improve energy efficiency and handling. The electric drivetrain also provides quieter operation and smoother torque delivery, which can reduce driver fatigue over long shifts.
Hino has also focused on ease of upfitting, incorporating a clear back-of-cab design to accommodate a wide range of body applications. Safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning come standard.
Le Series production is expected to begin in Q3 2026, marking the next phase in Hino Trucks' strategy to roll out zero-emission vehicles that meet tightening environmental regulations while addressing the operational needs of commercial fleets.
