Japan / USA - Hino USA* has announced Project Z, the company's development path to Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), ranging from Class 4 to Class 8. A live virtual event (www.youtube.com/HINOTRUCKSUSA) showcased a comprehensive line-up of zero emission trucks, partnering with several technology leaders in advanced electrification drive systems.

The ZEV products included a Class 5 SEA Electric SEA-Drive 120a on a Hino M5 chassis (see separate article in this issue), a Hino XL Series Class 8 tractor powered by Toyota's Fuel Cell system (also see separate article) and a Hino XL Series Class 8 box truck powered by a battery and electric drive system from California-based Xos Trucks. Vehicles from Hino are to be fitted with Xos proprietary battery technology, the X-Pack; a modular battery pack system built from the cell-level up that operates as an intelligent standalone unit. Each pack has its own air cooling, allowing for critical savings in safety, weight, and cost. The Xos X-Packs are industry-standard DC-fast charge-capable, in addition to AC charging, and can charge as fast as one hour.