Allison Transmission and Hino Trucks partner on BEV trucks

Indianapolis-based Allison Transmission, a designer and manufacturer of conventional, electric hybrid and fully electric vehicle propulsion solutions, has announced that it has been selected by Hino Trucks, Novi, Michigan, as its e-Axle development partner for Class 6, 7 and 8 battery electric vehicle (BEV) trucks.

The two companies have signed the framework behind a comprehensive strategic Joint Collaboration Agreement (JCA) that builds on the long-standing partnership Allison and Hino share in the conventional transmission space.

Through this agreement, Hino will integrate Allison’s eGen Power 100D e-Axle into their vehicles as the two companies "collaborate to build out a truly differentiated product for end-users," with start of low volume production intended in early 2023.

“This is an exciting development as we continue to expand our electrified product portfolio in support of our promise to provide the most reliable and valued propulsion solutions in the world,” says Rohan Barua, vice president of North America Sales, Global Channel and Aftermarket for Allison Transmission. “We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with Hino Trucks in delivering innovative solutions for our mutual customers. Just as the Allison 2000 and 3000 Series are the standard transmission offering in the conventional diesel-powered Hino vehicles, the next generation of Allison commercial EV powertrains will power Hino’s BEV trucks, delivering the same proven performance, reliability and durability that the combination of the Hino-Allison brands represent.”

Hino announced Project Z in October 2020 and has continued collaborating with Allison since then in designing BEV solutions tailored for the North American medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle markets. As part of the work being undertaken with Hino and other development partner-customers, Allison has announced the launch of a new e-Axle product that will be added to the eGen Power family, the eGen Power 100S.

The eGen Power 100S incorporates several of the core components offered in the eGen Power 100D, and packages these elements into a lighter and more compact design best suited for class 6 and 7 vehicles, and in a tandem configuration for Class 8 6x4 vehicles. Under the terms of the JCA, Hino will be the first global OEM to integrate the eGen Power 100S, ensuring a partnership in Class 6 through Class 8 vehicles.

“We are pleased to formalize our collaboration with Allison on the integration of their eGen Power electric axles into Hino’s class 6, 7 and 8 BEV line up,” says Glenn Ellis, senior vice president of Customer Experience at Hino Trucks. “It is especially exciting to be the first OEM to integrate the eGen Power 100S into our class 6 and 7 BEV trucks, representing another critical step in Hino’s Project Z, Path to Zero initiative we announced late last year. Whether our conventional diesel-powered products or our next-generation electric propulsion platforms, our mutual customers expect reliable and durable solutions from the Hino and Allison partnership. I’m confident we’ll continue to deliver that promise.”